Introduction to Lean Principles

Changing an existing culture requires a change in thought and requires commitment and activity from every level of an organization. Changing thought processes requires training and practice in the new principles to be used. Transitioning from a traditional manufacturing environment to a lean environment utilizing highly involved work teams is a system wide change, a cultural change. Lean manufacturing is continually driving out waste of every kind; constantly improving the flow of the entire manufacturing system using a variety of tools and continued focus through employee involvement driven improvements. Lean practices are applicable in all types of production environments as well as engineering groups, materials, quality, finance and any other support functions. The overarching goal of a lean system is to smooth the flow of product through the entire value chain from supplier to customer. Use of a few of the tools to target specific improvements will not achieve the significant changes that will be achieved by coordinating all improvement activities and measures with the systems goals in focus.

The program must be comprehensive, organized, presented throughout the company, measured, and positive results rewarded. There are many strategies that may be employed and a variety of measures typically considered to be important to a manufacturing company, each company must assess its needs and develop the best strategy of implementation for its unique situation.

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