5.3 - Lean Production and Quality Management Flashcards
what is lean production?
when a business aims to minimise all waste produced in its production process, increasing efficiency while maintaining quality
what is the calculation for efficiency
output/input
what is kaizen
the idea of continuous improvement, and how employees contribute to the improvement of the production process to make it more efficient
pros/cons of kaizen
pros
* can motivate employees - make them feel more included in the processes of the business
* can collect a range of new ideas and perspectives
cons
* there could be resistance from higher up managers
* requires training
what is just-in-time production
when a business gathers resources to produce a product or service as it is being requested
* inputs arrive only shortly before they are used
pros/cons of just-in-time production
pros
* less stock held (less factory space, less waste)
cons
* relies greatly on the supplier
* higher delivery costs
* less purchasing economies of scale
* if they are unable to meet orders - this may damage the reputation of the business
what is cradle to cradle manufacturing
a design and manufacture technique that is efficient while reducing waste and increasing sustainability
what is quality control
when a business checks and monitors the products/service to identify any mistakes or defects after the item is produced
what is quality assurance
when a business creates and expectation of quality of each part of production in the business
* employees must check that their production in each section meets the required quality
* avoiding problems before they happen
what are the three methods of managing quality
- benchmarking
- quality circle
- total quality management (TQM)
what is benchmarking
the process of comparing the production process and products of a business to that of the best in the industry
what is quality circle
when individuals within a stage of production come together to discuss ways in which the production process can become more efficient and improve quality, then they discuss with management
what is total quality management (TQM)
when all employees are involved in the process of the improvement of quality of the production line and the final products and services. all employees at all levels of production work together
what are quality standards
a criteria which businesses must meet to recieve an award
what are national standards and international standards (quality standards)
national
* criteria for each country which businesses must meet to recieve an award
international
* criteria that businesses worldwide must meet to receive an award
what is an example of international quality standards
ISO 9000
(ISO: international organisation for standardisation)
