Process Redesign and Efficiency
(Lean* Operations)

“Lean” is a relatively new term for an approach to improving work efficiency. The approach has a history tracing back to before the industrial age and is based on practical logic and industrial engineering. Shigeo Shingo documented the “Toyota Manufacturing Process” that is the basis of the modern tools and concepts of Lean.

Lean methodology seeks to identify and eliminate activity and time that do not add value to a product or service. This “elimination of waste” is the heart of Lean. It can be applied to any area of a business or organization. This includes manufacturing, services, accounting, customer relations, product design, purchasing, or any other work activity.

The goal of Lean is to incorporate less human effort, less inventory, less time, and less space to get work done. Lean does not involve working harder; rather, it changes how things are done so that processes become highly responsive to customer demand while producing top quality products and services in the most efficient and economical manner possible.

Lean improves the conversion of time and resources into cash and customer satisfaction.

Propensity|Hayes offers consultation, Lean audits, training, and implementation support to organizations starting or seeking to improve Lean implementation. For more information, contact The Hayes Group International at 336-765-6764.

* The use of the word Lean to describe this efficiency-seeking system relates to the desire to eliminate “fat” or wasted effort and time in a process. Synonyms include svelte and lithe, connoting slender, healthy, and flexible.