Lean manufacturing ( also know as lean production, just-in-time manufacturing and just-in-time production, or JIT) is a production method aimed primarily at reducing times within the production system as well as response times from suppliers and to customers. Companies employ the strategy to increase efficiency, by receiving goods only as they need them for the production process, it also reduces inventory cost and wastage, and increases productivity and profit. Its very important we must understand that the down side of lean is that it requires producers to forecast demand accurately as the benefits can be nullified by minor delays in the supply chain. It may also impact negatively on workers due to added stress and inflexible conditions. We must understand that a successful lean operation depends on a company having regular outputs, high-quality processes, and reliable suppliers.
One of the primary goal of lean is to provide customers with a defect free product or services when its needed and the right quantity that it is needed, but we must understand that the concept of lean manufacturing is not than on a silver platter management must ensure that they are in total support and ensure that right training and the right resources is being given to the employees. We must also understand the fundamentals that technology is the key to the achievement of success in any concept and that means that adoption of the right technology before that implementation of the lean concept is very vital to the success of the concept. When you look at cellular manufacturing as one of the lean techniques, its primary purpose is to reduce cycle time and inventories to meet market response times. Continues improvements is the key to success in any lean manufacturing because how careful task and responsibilities are that most companies will have challenges but the ability of the organization to resolved such challenges is key to the success of their learning curve.