Lean is not just a new buzz-word, it is an holistic approach to waste reduction that can be used to transform any organization into an efficient, customer driven and successful enterprise. Lean is based on the Toyota Production System (TPS), a system that has evolved over 50 years and has led Toyota to be one of today’s most successful businesses. The lessons learned at Toyota can be applied to transform other businesses or service organizations into more efficient and effective entities.
Lean is a system. A combination of specific waste eliminating activities paired with a culture of continuous improvement and respect for people that will help any organization improve results by eliminating the waste of non-value activities.
Lean is a toolkit. Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen events, 5S, Quick Changeover, Visual Management, Kanban and Work Cells are just some specific means of eliminating waste. Visit our Lean Definitions for more information on these and other Lean events.
Lean is a way of working. Without building the essential Lean “cultural norms” a Lean implementation attempt will become just a one time effort to improve your business without the long-lasting results that can be achieved with a high degree of employee buy-in to operational excellence.
Lean can help businesses understand and meet customer needs. By identifying and focusing on true internal and external customer needs, Lean will help give the customer exactly what they want, when they want it, at a competitive cost. By eliminating waste in productivity, quality and delivery, you are in the drivers seat to reducing cost, increase capacity, improve quality and gain market share.
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