Lean Production Flashcards
What is lean production
An approach to management that focuses on cutting out waste , whilst ensuring quality and improving efficiency
What is kaizen and what is its other name
Kaizen - continuous improvement
An approach to constantly introducing small changes in a business to improve quality and efficiency
The ideas come from employees as opposed to r and d making it cheaper
What are some benefits of the kaizen method of lean production
Small changes are less likely to require major capital investment
Encourages employees to take ownership of their work - improving teamwork and motivation
Will help business to remain competitive as product quality may improve
What are some disadvantages of kaizen
Employees may be reluctant to make any suggestions on how to improve production processes as their jobs or their colleagues jogs may become affected
Employees may feel under pressure and stress because of the continuous improvement
What is cell production
A form of team working where production processes are split into cells
What are the advantages of cell production
Closeness of cell members improves communication
Workers can become multi skilled (adaptable to needs of business)
Greater employee motivation - team work and variety
What are some disadvantages of cell production
Closeness of cell production could lead to arguments- slowing down production
Workers may not wish to become multiskilled and would rather specialise in
What is ergonomics
The relationship between the employee and capital equipment (machines or tools)
The aim of ergonomics is to ensure a minimum amount of time is wasted while using the equipment
What are the advantages of ergonomics
Time based savings in using capital equipment (machines, tools)
Savings will add up overtime
What are the disadvantages of ergonomics
Employer has to pay for ergonomic analysis and implementation
Customisation for each employee will be expensive
Break down of ergonomic equipment may lead to increased down time
What is total quality management (TQM)
The efficient usage of all resources within the production process, whether directly or indirectly related to the actual production process
What are the advantages of TQM
Increased customer loyalty because of the improved quality of end product
What is time based management
A general approach that recognises the importance of time and tries to reduce the level of wasted time in the production process
Staff need to be multiskilled and production flexible so they are able to make changes easily
What are some advantages of time based management
Quicker response times to meet changing market and customer needs
Faster new product development
Reduction in waste , therefore greater efficiency
What are the disadvantages of time based management
Employees may feel under pressure to complete on time leading to stress and demotivation
Workers may not be interested in becoming multiskilled
What is jidoka
The process of building into production an ability to detect and reject faulty goods and components at the earliest possible time in the production of the good
What are the advantages of jidoka
Detecting faults will save money - less returned products
Production targets are likely to be met
Different coloured lights allow management to determine uh e seriousness of the problem - so different problems can be prioritised
What are the disadvantages of jidoka
In the short term may disrupt production
