LEAN METHODOLOGY | ETAC Solutions

Applying Lean methodology to an organisation makes perfect sense.  It is the ability “to do more with less”.  Companies engaging in Lean techniques use less effort to perform their work.  They use less materials to create their products and services.  Finally they use less time to develop them.

5 Core Principles of Lean Methodology

Dr Womack and his team identified the following 5 core principles:

1 – Value

A customer can define a product by its value to them.  For Lean businesses, this starts by understanding what value the customer attributes to the product or service.

2 – The Value Stream

The life cycle of a product is from research and development through to the customer’s use of the product.  Value stream mapping represents the life cycle of this product.

3 – Flow

The product should proceed through each department without any problems or delay. The Lean method aims to have everyone and every process working together within the company.

4 – Pull

What makes this possible is the idea of “pull”.  This means that goods are not produced before they are needed by the customer. This ensures a shorter delivery cycle time.  As a result it improves the company’s ability to be flexible and agile.

5 – Continuous Improvement

Finally, everyone in the business is involved in continuously improving all aspects of the company.  This Lean Methodology aims to develop people within an organisation.  It promotes a culture of problem-solving and continuous improvement.  When team members understand the principles behind the tools, they become capable of adapting these tools to their own unique work problems. One small successful improvement followed by another enables employees to innovate and solve problems with confidence.

Lean companies develop better quality products and services.  As a result, they enjoy better customer retention and customer loyalty.  Contact us to develop and implement a Lean Methodology in your company.