Lean operations

Question 1

What is the focus of lean?

Answer 1

To achieve a flow of materials, information or customers that delivers exactly what customers want, in exact quantities, exactly when needed, exactly where required and at the lowest possible cost

Question 2

What ways can lean be viewed as?

Answer 2

It can be viewed as three related but distinct things: a philosophy, a method of planning and control

Question 3

What is something that lean proponents frequently stress?

Answer 3

The importance of involving all staff in the lean approach

Question 4

What is a important concept of lean philosophy?

Answer 4

Continuous improvement

Question 5

What are the three causes of waste?

Answer 5

Muda, Mura, Muri

Question 6

What are the four broad categories of types of waste?

Answer 6

Waste from:
- irregular flow
- inexact supply
- inflexible response
- variability

Question 7

Explain the gemba walk

Answer 7

A management technique that involves going to the place where work is done to observe, understand and identify areas for improvement.

A way for managers or leaders to gain firsthand knowledge of how work is actually done and to identify opportunities for improvement