Lessons in lean [lean manufacturing]

This paper examines whether lean manufacturing really works based on the experience of several companies that have implemented lean principles. A study conducted by The Manufacturing Foundation, a non-profit organization that researches into manufacturing issues and provides policy advice for government, found that there are strong common implementation themes that run through lean manufacturing programs - programs that achieve both substantial improvements and sustained performance after the initial bursts of effort and uncritical enthusiasm. While the organization recommends lean to every manufacturer, this isn´t all they should do. Lean should be in the strategic plan and it should not be an isolated strategy. The organization cautions about the danger for some companies to associate lean with quick wins, many of which will be productivity-related savings, and to lose long-term benefits. The Manufacturing Foundation also recommends better training and accreditation across government-supported lean providers, academics, private sector consultancies and training organizations and that business relationships should be two-way, with government not always giving and expecting nothing in return.