Ch 14: Lean Systems
About This Chapter
Lean Systems - Chapter Summary and Learning Objectives
The concept of lean systems is all about streamlining the production process and eliminating waste, with an eye towards improving efficiency. Concepts in the implementation of lean systems include many borrowed from Japan, such as Kanban, jidoka and kaizen. In these lessons, we'll look at all aspects of lean systems, their advantages and drawbacks. By the end of this chapter, you should understand:
- How flexible resources and cellular layouts are employed in lean production
- Why workers are important in the kaizen process of lean production
- Ways the Kanban system can improve Just in Time Inventory (JIT)
- How jidoka contributes to a lean system
- Why lean systems may not always be the best
Video | Objective |
---|---|
Just in Time Inventory: Definition, Advantages & Examples | Examine the two levels of JIT. |
The Lean Philosophy vs. the Kanban System | Explore lean philosophy and how it differs from the Kanban system. |
Flexible Resources in Lean Production | Learn the importance of flexible resources. |
Cellular Layouts in Lean Production | See the role of cellular layout in lean production systems. |
Push vs. Pull Production Systems | Study the differences in push and pull production systems. |
Small vs. Large Lots: Advantages & Disadvantages | Learn the pros and cons of large- and small-lot sizes and when each is best employed. |
Single-Minute Exchange of Die (SMED): Purpose & Principles | Define SMED and when it is used. |
Uniform Production Levels in Lean Production | Discover the function of uniform production levels. |
Visual Control in Quality: Effect & Examples | Provide examples of visual control and see how it impacts quality. |
What Is Kaizen in Management? - Definition, Examples & Process | Explore kaizen, with examples, and look at the role of workers in the process. |
Jidoka, Automation & Lean Production | Examine jidoka and its function in lean production. |
What Is Total Productive Maintenance(TPM)? | Study the ways TPM is useful in a lean system. |
How Lean Production Affects Suppliers | Look at how suppliers are impacted by lean production. |
Value Stream Mapping: Purpose, Use & Examples | Get information on how to use value stream mapping in lean production. |
Benefits of Lean Production | Explore the advantages of lean production. |
JIT & Lean Implementation: Uses & Drawbacks | See when JIT and lean implementation are beneficial and when they shouldn't be used. |

1. The Lean Philosophy vs. the Kanban System
This lesson reviews and compares the lean philosophy to the kanban system. The lesson also describes the use of each methodology in business organizations.

2. Flexible Resources in Lean Production
In this lesson, we'll learn about one of the best ways to make sure that your production practices are as lean as possible, which is using flexible resources. Find out what they are and how they can benefit a business.

3. Cellular Layouts in Lean Production
Every company wants to be efficient and productive. Some even design their whole production process with efficiency in mind. In this lesson, we'll discuss cellular layouts and learn why they're considered during lean production.

4. Push vs. Pull Production Systems
Virtually every product manufactured on the face of the planet can be described as having been made by either the push or pull production system. But, what are those? In this lesson, we take a look at both of them.

5. Small vs. Large Lots: Advantages & Disadvantages
Companies sometimes choose small lots at times and large lots at other times. Want to know why small lots can actually help a business at times while hurting another business at the same time? Find out in this lesson.

6. Single-Minute Exchange of Die: Purpose & Principles
When producing goods, efficiency matters not only when you're making goods but also when changing the tools needed to make those goods. Single minute exchange of die offers a guideline to increase efficiency.

7. Uniform Production Levels in Lean Production
Lean businesses want to produce product only when absolutely necessary. But producing your products on demand can result in uneven production levels, which can cost money. In this lesson, we'll examine uniform production levels in lean production.

8. Visual Control in Quality: Effect & Examples
After watching this video lesson, you will see how visual control can be used in the production process to streamline the production of products. You will also see how visual control can be used as a means of quality control of finished products.

9. Jidoka, Autonomation & Lean Production
More efficient production is a goal of almost every business. In this lesson, we look at how three different concepts can help a business become more efficient: judoka, autonomation, and lean production.

10. What Is Total Productive Maintenance?
In this lesson we look at the concept of total productive maintenance (TPM). We focus on the three main aspects of TPM, which are autonomous, preventative, and early equipment maintenance. During the lesson we'll review an example of TPM.

11. How Lean Production Affects Suppliers
Watch this video lesson and see how lean production can help suppliers increase their profits in addition to establishing mutually beneficial relationships with other businesses.

12. Value Stream Mapping: Purpose, Use & Examples
Not all stages of production always add value during the production process. In this lesson, you'll learn about value stream mapping and how it can be used in lean manufacturing and other areas to improve the results for businesses and customers.

13. Benefits of Lean Production
Watch this video lesson to learn about three benefits of lean production and how it can help a manufacturing facility to increase productivity and profits.

14. JIT & Lean Implementation: Uses & Drawbacks
Manufacturing companies sometimes face challenges storing materials for production, but there are solutions to this issue. In this lesson, we'll look at how lean implementation and just-in-time manufacturing can help.

15. Just in Time Inventory: Definition, Advantages & Examples
Just In Time (JIT) is a production and inventory control system in which materials are purchased and units are produced only as needed to meet actual customer demand.

16. What Is Kaizen in Management? - Definition, Examples & Process
Kaizen is a Japanese word for 'continuous improvement.' Kaizen methods can be used to improve the results of any firm and can also be used in your personal life. Read on to learn the what, how and why of kaizen.
Earning College Credit
Did you know… We have over 200 college courses that prepare you to earn credit by exam that is accepted by over 1,500 colleges and universities. You can test out of the first two years of college and save thousands off your degree. Anyone can earn credit-by-exam regardless of age or education level.
To learn more, visit our Earning Credit Page
Transferring credit to the school of your choice
Not sure what college you want to attend yet? Study.com has thousands of articles about every imaginable degree, area of study and career path that can help you find the school that's right for you.
Other Chapters
Other chapters within the Business 112: Operations Management course
- Introduction to Operations & Supply Chain Management
- Quality in Operations & Supply Chain Management
- Six Sigma & Operations
- Monitoring & Controlling Quality
- Project Management
- Product Design
- Service Design
- Operations Processes & Technology
- Capacity & Facilities Design
- Facility Location Models
- Supply Chain Strategy & Design
- Global Supply Chain Procurement & Distribution
- Inventory Management
- Forecasting in Operations Management
- Sales & Operations Planning
- Resource Planning in Operations Management
- Scheduling in Operations Management