Working with the enemy [lean enterprise]

This paper discusses the role of IT systems as it relates to the concept of lean manufacturing. Lean theory dictates that manufacturing should only be about the manufacturing process and that IT systems are considered surplus to requirements when manual or visual systems will suffice. In the business world, however, there are other systems that are necessary to run a manufacturing business, beyond the actual production line. By applying lean to the enterprise, manufacturers are finding that IT can be applied to lean philosophies to the benefit of business.