Small and medium-sized manufacturers have an especially difficult time competing in the global marketplace. Lean manufacturing has emerged as a successful way for manufacturers to focus on the customer and increasing competitiveness and customer satisfaction.
Lean Manufacturing removes and/or minimizes non-value work activity from the manufacturing process. Here are four reasons why your company should consider using Lean Manufacturing techniques:
- Streamlines the company’s processes – Implementing Lean allows a manufacturer to streamline their processes throughout the entire organization, from the front office all the way to distribution. Efficiencies are witnessed and the manufacturer is able to work at its full potential. This results in a reduced manufacturing cost and increased speed to market.
- Removes waste – Lean addresses the Nine Areas of Waste: motion, inventory, waiting time, transportation, information, quality, overproduction, processing and creativity. By eliminating waste, a company has the opportunity to abolish time spent on unnecessary tasks.
- Lean can build team commitment – In order to build a Lean operation, a company must recognize that there is a need for change. Employing Lean operations requires focus from all team members. In many instances, utilizing Lean techniques have allowed for a company-wide assessment of their manufacturing processes, which builds teamwork and cooperation.
- The job is never done – A key element of Lean is “continuous improvement.” This means that there are continuous opportunities to become more Lean.
If you are wondering if the time is right for your manufacturing company to employ Lean techniques, visit CMTC’s Services page. To speak with a CMTC consultant, Contact Us.
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