Doug MacMaster

Lean manufacturing is all about reducing waste and increasing efficiency. Manufacturers have been implementing lean practices for decades and have stood the test of time. Now, with technological advancements, lean methodologies can be more transformative than ever before. “Integrating automation into lean manufacturing is a powerful strategy. Unlike traditional automation, which often aims to increase production capacity without considering real needs, lean automation focuses on the smart and selective application of technologies to meet specific continuous improvement goals and eliminate inefficiencies,” the Kaizen Institute said. “Digital transformation provides an unprecedented opportunity for implementing lean,” it continued. “When applied within lean, tools like the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and data analytics can revolutionize how organizations detect and eliminate waste.” What is Lean Manufacturing? In “The Machine That Changed The World,” published in 1990, lean production is hailed as “Toyota’s secret weapon in the global car wars.” The Toyota Production System was developed following World War II from “a series of simple innovations … to provide both continuity in process flow and a wide variety in product offerings,” according to the Lean Enterprise Institute. In “Lean Thinking,” a 1996 follow-up to “The Machine That Changed The World,” authors James…

Traditional supply chains react, while Adaptive Supply Chains are built to anticipate and evolve. Learn how these strategies can transform your supply chain and multiply margins despite today’s turbulent market environment. Supply chains are more than just something to manage. They’re a strategic asset to the organization – driving long term, sustainable growth by constantly adapting to a fast-changing world. In this white paper, you’ll learn: The three pillars that make up an adaptive supply chain Six practical strategies that can help you achieve the three pillars of an adaptive supply chain Real life use cases on how companies like yours are using these strategies to maximize operational performance, profitability, and sustainability   Download the “6 Strategies for Building an Adaptive Supply Chain” white paper here to learn more