LEAN THINKING

Lean Thinking



Lean Thinking

Introduction

Lean Manufacturing cannot be separated from the processes managed by the suppliers. It is of vital importance in order organize a cell with the best tools to reduce lead time and WIP components when the external supply does not comes on time and meet the required time of the company. Logistics plays an important role in the deployment of lean philosophy, ensuring the arrival of the materials to the place of consumption efficiently (Womack & Jones, 2004, pp. 181 - 202). Though, implementing Lean supply chain requires rethinking the systematization of work flow management in receiving raw materials from suppliers and the flow of product delivery to customers, all with the ultimate goal of increasing efficiency of system as a whole.

The paper emphasizes on how the lean tools and techniques best be applied to the optimisation of supply chain processes. The key element is cutting costs by deploying visual controls the transport network of suppliers and customers and the resizing of the logistics system supply and delivery is possible through the application of lean logistics concepts such as flow level delivery, increased frequency of supply and reducing the size of the batch delivery.

Discussion

The purpose of a lean tools and techniques is to continuously reduce the delivery time and costs, improve response to market, and improve the ability of each supplier to make our customers more competitive and successful. To achieve this vision of Operational Excellence is working to connect the flow pulled inside the factory to the external flow of materials from suppliers, not forgetting the flow of information. A critical success factor is the development of a procurement strategy (see Suppliers Development), which is fundamental to consolidate and further develop the supplier base view Operational Excellence (Womack & Jones, 2004, pp. 181 - 202).

The key factor for the success of lean supply chain is able to bind directly to the customer the operations of suppliers, using simple signals. The compression of this link allows the emergence on the surface of all forms of waste previously hidden and compensated with stocks or other type of resources. Essential to the success of lean supply chain is the mutual benefit of the supplier and the customer (New, 2003, pp. 95-104). To establish the relationship according to specific procedures, it is essential to have a well-defined strategy of purchase, so as to support the activities that will be implemented ...