Lean Thinking Model and its' Positive
Effects on Manufacturing Processes
June 11, 2009
Table of Contents
Introduction 4
Steps of the Lean Manufacturing Process 5
Step 1: Identify the Value to Customers in Specific Products and Services 5
Step 2: Identify the Business Processes the Delivers this Value to Customers 8
Step 3: Organize Work Arrangements around the Flow of the Business Process 8
Step 4: Create a Pull System that Responds to Customer Demands 9
Step 5: Continuously Pursue Perfection in the Business Process 10
Summary 12
References 14
Abstract
The lean thinking model has many positive effects on the manufacturing process. The model aids companies in the significant reduction of both human and natural resources by removing waste from all aspects of the manufacturing process. Establishing sound processes will in turn help to eliminate waste in production, workforce, and management resources. The lean thinking model is a process with multiple steps involved to ensure effectiveness for a company. These steps are guidelines that do not fit every organization exactly since there are so many differences between businesses. The function of lean is to seek and find the value of your business. This process will determine the customer’s needs, allow for the removal of non-value added functions and tasks, and materials to become a lean business machine. Henry Ford and the Toyota Company depict an example of the lean thinking model. They invented, re-invented, and added to the lean thinking model over the years and have demonstrated that the model does help create an efficient business.
Introduction
The Lean Thinking Model (or lean) falls directly in line with expectations of customers needs for a particular product line by totally reducing excess waste out of the process. A company using lean must optimize the flow of production processes in order to make it cost effective and an efficient