Many people have heard of Just-in-time manufacturing. But how does it really work, and how can you use it to improve your operations? Most importantly, what are the risks when there is a hiccup in the supply of parts? In short, what is all the fuss about? Just-in-time (JIT) manufacturing, a cornerstone of the Toyota Production System, revolutionized production by … [Read more...]
Sometimes you come across one of those very simple, yet amazingly effective tools that most people who have adopted it wonder how they ever did without. Today is one of those days. Kanban is a task scheduling method originally developed by the Toyota Production System in the 1960's to track inventory levels. Although it is being still used in some manufacturing … [Read more...]
Value stream mapping is a cornerstone of lean manufacturing, offering a clear visual representation of a factory’s processes—from raw materials to finished product. Using a standardized set of industry-recognized symbols, these maps pinpoint value-adding steps, enabling teams to streamline operations, drive continuous improvement (kaizen), and eliminate waste. Below is … [Read more...]
The definition of genius is taking the complex and making it simple. - Albert Einstein I have good news for you. If you are in the manufacturing business, you can become a genius today, right now. In manufacturing, the shop floor can feel like a labyrinth of moving parts—raw materials weaving through production lines, stations with varying cycle times, and … [Read more...]
