Unit 3 Discussion 1-Implementing and Sustaining Lean System Characteristics PDF

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Implementing and Sustaining Lean System Characteristics...

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Lean systems are essential to remove excess waste from processes or other operations within an organization. The goal of lean systems is to create more value for the customers by refining and improving internal processes across several departments. There are lean principles that can guide a company through the uncertainty of their operations and can focus the attention on establishing value for the customers. In the article "7 Essential Principles For A Lean System," there are seven lean principles identified, and when utilized it can lead to more efficient business processes, increased work productivity, value creation, and improved performance of a company. Understanding the different principles and implementing them into the daily operations will improve the customer experience while ensuring long-term success ("7 Essential Principles For A Lean System," n.d.). Small lot sizes will lead to a more efficient system since they move through each process at a faster rate, and are easier to schedule. Utilizing small lot sizes also allows a company to prevent the possibility of overproduction (Krajewski, Malhotra, & Pitzman, 2016). The area that becomes difficult for managers is the setup time. Calibrating each machine can become a lengthy process, and can lead to a significant amount of waste in materials as well as staff. Getting employees with different opinions on the same page can be another challenging part of the setup process. It will become increasingly difficult to move forward if disagreements exist. Another reason why this may be tough to implement and sustain is due to changing market trends as well as customer demand. If lot sizes need to be adjusted consistently, then the process starts all over again leading to less efficient operation overall. The push method of workflow could potentially be another characteristic that is difficult for managers to implement and sustain. Managers that forecast and predict demands need to realize that no matter the amount of data or understanding of trends, there will never be a perfect forecasting strategy. The business world is extremely volatile and changes in the blink of an eye. If managers are agile, then they can design forecasts to be adaptable. The push method is a vital component to the success of a business, but it is a tough characteristic to implement and sustain (Krajewski et al., 2016). The two characteristics that have the most significant impact on value creation are quality at the source and close supplier ties. Quality at the source means providing the best quality products to the customers. The employees are responsible for identifying defects and fixing them instead of letting them drift down to the next process. By correcting the error when it happens processes become more efficient, and customer demands are met. When the customer is at the center of the decision-making and manufacturing process, this is when value creation occurs. Developing a relationship with suppliers is a cornerstone to business. Suppliers provide several firms with the inventory they need and if a trusting relationship is not established, then receiving high-quality products is unlikely. Having close supplier ties will lead to stock being delivered faster, which is good news for a firm's customers. Receiving products on time from the supplier will allow for the customer to receive their order on time leading to a positive customer experience. Creating a superior experience for the customer creates value for them and will ensure they return to your business (Krajewski et al., 2016). References: Krajewski, L. J., Malhotra, M. K., & Pitzman, L. P. (2016). Operations management: Processes and supply chains (12th ed.). New York, NY: Pearson. Chapter 6: Lean Systems.

7 Essential Principles For A Lean System. (n.d.). Planview, Inc. Retrieved from https://leankit.com/learn/principles-for-lean-system/

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