lean management

Lean management pros and cons Lean management has transformed many companies since its implantation in the Toyota Production System many decades ago. It enabled many firms who successfully implemented it to streamline and refine their operations to reduce waste at every level. In the process, they've benefited from enhanced quality, customer satisfaction, and productivity. But it wasn't all smooth sailing because any system that brings radical change to an organisation and its manufacturing methods is bound to have its downside. Let’s start exploring the pros(advantages) of lean management : Improved quality products: A lot of the activity in a lean environment is turned towards improving quality. As quality issues arise, problem solving techniques are used to root cause the problem. As a result, the quality of the product will be improved. Improved Visual Management : Another benefit of lean management is management by sight. If done correctly, your plant will be set up so you can evaluate an entire area with a visual scan. Any abnormalities will stand out and be easy to identify as a problem. Increased efficiency : Line balancing will ensure each person in the process is working in the most efficient manner. Standardized work will ensure they are doing it correctly following the same method every time. This leads to repeatability and increased efficiencies. Manpower reductions : One of the major benefits of lean is getting more done with less people. With standardized work and increased efficiencies, the ability to do the job with less people becomes a very real possibility. Easier to manage : The work instructions and standardized work let people know what they have to do and when. This makes managing an area much easier. problems will still arise. But they will be much easier to deal with in a team environment where the support groups are eager to help solve problems. Total Company Involvement : Lean is meant to involve the whole company. It is not intended to be put into action in only one area. It is a management philosophy which should include every part of your organization. This helps promote the concept that everyone in the company is part of the team. Reduced Space : As part of the waste reduction process, space will be created. Reduction of finished and raw inventory will save space vertically in your racking as well as horizontally across your floor. Safer Work Environment : Visual management and 5S will help identify when things are out of place. When unnecessary elements are removed from the operation, the workplace becomes much more organized. And an organized work environment is a safe work environment. Now let’s jump to the cons (disadvantages) of lean management : The time factor : One of the main cons of lean is the time it can take to produce results. The lean model is not just a system you tack onto your existing production setup. It's a major revision of your entire process and takes considerable time to plan, implement, and manage. At the same time regular production is affected leading to a drop off in volume which can seriously affect  HYPERLINK "http://www.winman.com/blog/bid/183518/How-to-Maximise-Profits-with-Lean-Manufacturing" profitability. The human factor : Lean manufacturing processes require a complete overhaul of manufacturing systems that may cause stress and rejection by employees who prefer old ways of doing things. Moreover, lean manufacturing requires constant employee input on quality control, which some employees may feel unqualified to do. Older employees may prefer previous methods and can cause resistance among others in the work group.  High cost of implementation : Sometimes we have have to spend money to make money. Lean is no different. Mistake proofing processes will cost money. Fixing problem areas permanently will usually cost money. Redesign of equipment to facilitate new line balancing will cost money. But over time, these improvements will pay for themselves through increased quality and reduced defects. Conclusion Any complex and change-bringing process such as lean management is bound to throw up serious obstacles. However, the pros for  HYPERLINK "http://www.winman.com/blog/how-does-lean-manufacturing-work" lean manufacturing surpass the cons, making it an ideal approach to modern manufacturing, adopting lean strategies is a smart move for any company and never more vital for success than in these competitive times Do lean the right way and it can give you the vital edge you need to produce high value quality products on time, every time. That way, you delight your customers, trump the competition, and become a market leader.