Understanding Lean Manufacturing Processes

Empowering and inspiring firms to implement strategies that would seek the maximum value of their goods and services and, at the same time, reduce wasteful elements and activities significantly is the primary goal of lean manufacturing processes. 

Since its introduction, most observers say it was pioneered by  business tycoon Henry Ford and further developed into popularity by Toyota, every company has been intrigued by what lean manufacturing processes can do for their bottomlines. 

For those firms that have already been impementing lean manufacturing programs, the method has been proven to be a huge benefit and success not just for the companies, but also for their respective workforces.

Lean manufacturing processes for the workforce

Employees, no doubt, are considered to be major elements of the the manufacturing line. Workers benefit from the implementation of lean manufacturing processes because the work load is somehow eased and made less redundant.

The key principle of lean manufacturing processes is reducing and or eliminating waste in the corporate setting. One of the seven wastes the program identifies is waiting time. If employees see a reduced waiting time, they become more productive and more in-tune with their work environment. And a positive environment is what leads to the most positive results.

Lean manufacturing processes for the customers

Consumers will only willingly pay for something that will give them value for their money. 

What lean manufacturing processes do is help give customers exactly what they want. The system helps manufacturers keep their customers best interests in mind and focus on their needs. The more customer-centric a company is, the happier its clients are.

To make this happen, firms conduct studies and surveys to find out what clients are looking for. It is through these that companies will be able to focus on the resources and energies available to achieve that need. 

Lean manufacturing processes for the company itself

Companies will benefit greatly from this philosophy because it primarily seeks to reduce costs and achieve the best output without overdoing it. The term 'lean' says just that. Delivering the right goods, at the time right time, at the right place and in adequate quantities. 

Thus, no excesses. No overproduction. No annoying stockpiles. If firms adopt lean manufacturing processes, they can be assured that nothing is wasted at any level of production. 

Lean manufacturing has identified the seven wastes firms should eliminate if they want to achieve their fullest potentials:

- transportation
- inventory
- waiting time
- motion
- defects
- underutilized workforce, and
- overproduction

These seven have been identified by companies all over the world as they key reason for unaccounted costs and weak production levels. These are what lean manufacturing processes aim to eradicate.

Critics say that lean manufacturing is costly at first, because major changes will need to be made to systems that have been in operation for decades. However, when you really think about it, what lean manufacturing expends at the preliminary stage is more than compensated for in the longer term. 

Adopting lean manufacturing processes takes risks. But this doesn't mean that we are compelled to stick to age-old and obsolete methods just to be on the safe side, especially when we already know what this strategy can bring to the fore.
