Building the LEAN Machine

Many manufacturers are now critically evaluating their processes to determine their effectiveness in bringing maximum value to customers. Factory management techniques of yesterday are being replaced by more efficient methods that greatly minimize delays, reduce costs, and improve quality.

Lean manufacturing is a whole-systems approach that creates a culture in which everyone in the organization continuously improves processes and production. It is a system focused on and driven by customers, both internal and external.

This section is offered to help you better understand some of the more common process-related tenets of lean manufacturing and the strategies necessary to support them.