Lean manufacturing is based on simple concepts that help to reduce costs throughout the production process. The result is more efficient production, maximized quality in the end product and increased bottom line profits for the company.
Waste is a main component in understanding lean manufacturing. Waste is anything in the production process that does not add value to the end product. By removing waste in every step of the process, the production is more efficient. This can give a company the option to reduce the price of the end product, making it more competitive. They are able to reduce the cost at the end, because the overhead costs decrease with the maximized efficiency in production.
The process for removing the waste is as follows:
- Realize that wastes occur
- Identify wastes
- Find solution to remove waste
- Implement the process that will remove waste and ensure it is effective
Waste can occur in many different forms, the removal of which always results in improved efficiency. Examples of waste include:
- Excess and/or unskilled labor
- Excess inventory
- Poor quality production equipment
- Inefficient factory layout
Save Your Factory, sponsored by FANUC Robotics, the world’s leading supplier of industrial robots, encourages manufacturers to fully and objectively analyze the advantages of lean manufacturing and other factors before deciding whether or not to outsource overseas. Click here to learn more about lean manufacturing through Save Your Factory.
|
