Thursday 17 October 2013

Lean Manufacturing Education and Training Enhances Your Understanding of Concepts

Lean production system is the manufacturing philosophy that originated from TPS or ‘Toyota Production System.’ These values are used broadly in the automobile industry. It has been altered and adapted to suit the local manufacturing situation or procedures. However, its main principles have not been changed. The system is also widely used in non-automobile industries especially in the assembling systems. 



In order to achieve a top-notch production system, the workforce should be ready to take up courses that will educate them on the various elements involved in the system. Lean manufacturing education is the first step in this journey. The knowledge imparted is on the processes known as ‘Lean Six Sigma.’ This helps you to know and work on the different kinds of lean research projects, make and implement its designs and also manage the processes with the aim of performing better. The curriculum focuses on manufacturing and engineering concepts. The knowledge attained will help in strengthening your analytically competence and enhance your understanding in the application of a range of concepts.



In order to optimize business performance, lean manufacturing training is indispensable. There are several colleges that offer this teaching and there are different levels of programs. Besides campus education, you can also avail of online courses which are especially useful for those already in a business organization. Online diploma courses are conducted by reputed colleges; on completion of the course you can be sure to get good jobs in the field. The training imparted is excellent and you benefit greatly by obtaining a higher degree without giving up the current job. 

Lean Manufacturing and Value Stream Mapping are Emerging Business Challenges

Lean manufacturing refers to the techniques, processes, initiatives and strategies implemented by businesses in order to reduce unproductive and unnecessary activities, tasks and behaviors from the work environment. With economic slowdown around the world, companies are facing tough challenges in making profits. Therefore, the technique strives to improve competitiveness and remove waste so that more value is received by the consumers. In such an environment, businesses produce only what the customer needs and demands. The focus is on manufacturing processes so that the products are consumer-friendly. When lean principles are followed strictly by a company it is called lean enterprise. These companies have common characteristics; focus on customer and purpose, organizational alignment, knowledge, empowered employees and flexible workforce are some of the characteristics of an enterprise.


A simple yet powerful tool used for analysis and visualization of the production process through mapping is called value stream mapping or VSM. The technique originated from Toyota, the car manufacturer. It is nothing but a graphic representation of the processes in the information and material flow. Real-time data gathered is extremely important because ground data is often outrageously different from calculated or estimated data. This proven tool is suited for different types of industries. It is perfect for creating organizational changes positively and producing benefits in quality, cost and flexibility. However, VSM should be properly applied. This means that the common mistakes that undo the process of stream mapping must be avoided. One significant step is to ensure that there is a VS map before starting the process. If the steps are followed correctly, there will no waste of time and resources.