Doing more with less is a goal that all businesses in the manufacturing sector dream of achieving. For some companies, this can be achieved through specific organizational strategies.
In this article, learn more about Lean Manufacturing, a strategy that has proven to be very effective for many organizations.
Lean Manufacturing in a nutshell
Lean Manufacturing, which can be described “just-in-time” production, refers to an industrial organization that strives to produce more efficiently, faster and at a lower cost.
This methodology was pioneered by Toyota and then replicated by other automakers to improve productivity, reduce inventory and increase employee input into the manufacturing chain. Subsequently, many manufacturers in a wide range of industries applied this philosophy as a way to optimize the use of their resources.
The principles behind Lean Manufacturing
There are several elements to be considered in this approach, which aims to improve the entire manufacturing process. However, there are certain guiding principles that make up its backbone.
Optimal use of resources
First, the entire process is based on eliminating unnecessary elements in the manufacturing or processing of the product. The aim is to isolate the value chain to highlight losses. This can be a surplus of finished products or material waste. This will promote sustainable practices since they fit in with the same values as Lean Manufacturing.
A better understanding of customer needs
From another perspective, this strategy relies on understanding the needs of customers in the industry concerned, so that only what is necessary and provides added value to the products is produced. The goal is therefore innovation to create new products and new production methods that respond more effectively to current or new market needs.
Getting the best out of every worker
Secondly, the aim is not to unquestionably reduce the number of employees, but rather to increase their value and use in the work chain. The objective is to create perfectly complementary tasks between the workforce and the industrial machinery used. Waiting time, unnecessary trips, under-utilization of employees’ skills and identification of non-value-added activities are the elements to be identified and eliminated.
The end justifies the means when it comes to Lean Manufacturing
Lean Manufacturing aims to increase the industrial and technical capacity of an organization while reducing the manufacturing cycle time and inventory used. Furthermore, it contributes simultaneously to reducing the costs related to the supply of raw materials, the deployment of resources and the losses generated by production surpluses or delays.
Consequently, this methodology helps an organization avoid overproduction, waste of human and material capital and production waste and defects.
Creopack: your partner in developing Lean packaging solutions
In short, the Lean Manufacturing methodology is part of a philosophy of innovation that leads to the improvement of production concepts and the creation of added value for finished products with the aim of offering new solutions to the target market.
At Creopack, we can help you implement strategies that align perfectly with the application of Lean Manufacturing principles within your organization. Do not hesitate to contact us and find out how!