Introduction to Lean

Manufacturing
CHAPTER 1
 "A systematic approach to identifying and
eliminating waste 

Lean (non-value-added activities) 

Manufacturing
can be defined through continuous improvement by
flowing the 
as: 
product  through flow processes based on a
signal from the customer." 
Lean
Philosophy
 Lean is a way of thinking.
It it is all about continuous
improvement with a focus
on eliminating all forms of
waste in a process.
What is Lean?

• Lean production focuses on eliminating waste in

processes (i.e. the waste of work in progress and
finished good inventories) 
• Lean production is not about eliminating people 
• Lean production is about expanding capacity by
reducing costs and shortening cycle times
between order and ship date 
• Lean is about understanding what is important to
the customer
Lean

• Value - A capability provided to

a customer at the right time at
an appropriate price, as defined
in each case by the customer.
Features of the product or
service, availability, cost and
performance are dimensions of
value. 
Waste - Any activity that
consumes resources but creates
no value (waste).
Difference
with lean, six
sigma and
Lean six
sigma
Lean Goals

 Goal is to IMPROVE EVERY PROCESS WITHIN

AN ORGANIZATION REQUIRING:
1. Less human effort
2. Less materials
3. Less inventory
4. Less time
5. Less space
6. To become highly responsive to customer
demand while producing top quality products in
the most efficient and economical manner
possible
END