In summary, an example of a lean implementation program would be:
- Senior management to agree and discuss their lean vision
- Management brainstorm to identify project leader and set objectives
- Communicate plan and vision to the workforce
- Ask for volunteers to form the Lean Implementation team (5-7 works best, all from different departments)
- Appoint members of the Lean Manufacturing Implementation Team
- Train the Implementation Team in the various lean tools - make a point of trying to visit other non competing businesses which have implemented lean
- Select a Pilot Project - 5S is a good place to start
- Run the pilot for 2-3 months - evaluate, review and learn from your mistakes
- Roll out pilot to other factory areas
- Evaluate results, encourage feedback
- Once you are satisfied that you have a habitual program, consider introducing the next lean tool. Select the one which will give you the biggest return for your business.[1]
Some of the lean tools are easier to implement than others. Technological advances have brought many new tools that can speed up the implementation process and help you sustain gains.
