"I think companies
big and small should strongly consider
participating in Lean 101. We
are glad we did!"
Terry Cole
Almita Manufacturing Ltd.
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Lean thinking is about more than
just cutting costs in the factory. One crucial insight is that most
costs are assigned when a product is designed.
- Often an engineer will specify
familiar, safe materials and processes rather than inexpensive,
efficient ones.
- This reduces project risk, that
is, the cost to the engineer, while increasing financial risks,
and decreasing profits.
- Good organizations develop and
review checklists to review product designs.
- Companies must often look beyond
the shop- floor to find opportunities for improving
- overall company cost and performance.
- At the system engineering level,
requirements are reviewed with marketing and customer representatives
to eliminate costly requirements.
- Shared modules may be developed,
such as multipurpose power-supplies or shared
- mechanical components or fasteners.
- Requirements are assigned to the
cheapest discipline.
- For example, adjustments may be
moved into software and measurements away from a mechanical solution
to an electronic solution.
- Another approach is to choose
connection or power-transport methods that are cheap or that used
standardized components that become available in a competitive market.
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