Lost in Translation? Lean for High-Speed Manufacturing Part 8
By: Scott Watson
Jul 05, 2012 | 12:48 pm
Welcome to Part 8 of E2M‘s Lean series. With all that we have discussed in this series, today we will conclude with our thoughts on buffers and the application of Lean for High-Speed Manufacturing.
So buffers are good, right? The truth is that we all work with finite resources. Space, money, time, and labor all constrain our businesses. Buffers cost money to purchase and then must be maintained, serviced, and repaired. However, in a high-speed environment, these costs become minor compared to the cost of not utilizing the right-sized buffer.
Don’t follow others down the path of manufacturing mediocrity by adopting a tools-based approach – or misinterpreting Lean. Rather, apply Lean with an understanding of its principles and your system. Only then will you realize the desired results of higher quality, reduced waste and reduced cost.
Let us know what you think about this series? What would you like to see a series on?
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