LEAN Thinking is Profitable Thinking: Part 1 of 8
If yours is like many businesses, you’ve begun the new year with big plans to cut waste in your operation. Along with increasing sales, it’s the only way to craft a larger bottom line. And that’s perfectly aligned with the goals of LEAN manufacturing. So I think it’s time to revisit and freshen up a post on that subject that was one of our most popular posts of all time. For the next several weeks, I’m going to be providing a more in-depth look at the seven wastes identified in LEAN manufacturing.
You’re certainly familiar with LEAN manufacturing. But don’t think of it as something that applies only to large companies, or international entities headed by driven, trend-setting leaders. LEAN manufacturing is simply a concerted effort to maximize efficiency in any business and eliminate common sources of waste and lost opportunity.
7 Ways Corporate Kiosk Helps Eliminate Waste
Corporate Kiosk™, our e-procurement solution, is a versatile technology that single-handedly addresses the seven major wastes typically discovered when LEAN manufacturing principles are applied to a business. So in my next seven posts, I am going to be talking about each one in more detail. You will discover opportunities to cut costs and streamline your operation in print procurement, promotional products and other areas.
Here are the “Seven Deadly Wastes” I will be talking about:
1. Waiting
Many times, a default “production line” mentality is the problem. It may seem logical, but does one operation always need to be completed before another can commence? When things can be done simultaneously, they should be. If they are not, you are wasting time and money.
2, Transportation
Think of the effort involved in getting materials from one place to another. The fuel, the manpower, the equipment, the maintenance—isn’t there a better way? In short—YES.
3. Processing
Process improvement is a big one. Within your manufacturing line or system, there are almost certainly steps that could be combined, eliminated, or handled differently to move more swiftly or effectively. LEAN manufacturing asks that question. One great answer coming right up.
4. Motion
Or to think of it another way, speed. LEAN wants things to move more quickly. It’s easy to see that more productivity is the likely result. But it’s not always easy to see how to make it happen without a huge capital investment. This series will help.
5. Poor Quality
Errors are the bane of many operations. They are embarrassing and displease customers. They also require costly replacement work and duplication of effort. Wait until you see what an impact Corporate Kiosk can make on this one.
6. Inventory
Some managers still take comfort in having plenty of materials stockpiled because they fear “running out.” Ironically, they should worry instead about the huge costs (in space and employee time) of storing and managing excess material. It’s not necessary today with technologies like Corporate Kiosk. Learn more later in the series.
7. Overproduction
The cost of creating a stockpile of extra product is one of the biggest wastes you can tackle. Not only does it create the inventory issues above, but it almost ensures that materials become outdated, and ultimately wasted. When produced as needed, the product is can be updated to be more timely and effective. This leads to a more nimble and successful sales process.
LEAN Manufacturing Practices Pay Off
Be sure to join me here for the whole series on addressing the seven wastes identified in adopting a LEAN manufacturing philosophy. I can assure you it won’t be a waste of your time, and that you will find some eye-opening (and money-saving) suggestions.
Want a head start? Contact Superior now to find out what Corporate Kiosk can do for your business. Or get in touch with one of our knowledgeable sales reps. After all—while I think the series will be very interesting for you—remember what LEAN says about “waiting!”
