Getting Lean: Experts share tips you can use
Updated May 5, 2023
By Dan Lewark Jr. | Director of Lean Solutions, Nick Nowak | Lean Solutions Project Manager, Chris Tomlinson | Lean Solutions Manager
By Dan Lewark Jr. | Director of Lean Solutions, Nick Nowak | Lean Solutions Project Manager, Chris Tomlinson | Lean Solutions Manager
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Experts share their tips on data and improvements
How can I use Lean at my facility? Dan Lewark Jr. | Director of Lean Solutions Lean should be present in all facilities to a certain degree. Your business’ complexity and nature will drive how robust of a Lean program you have. For example, a smaller job shop should have a baseline of Lean practices implemented. This will help aid the growth of operations. In contrast, a larger manufacturing facility should use Lean/Six Sigma as well as other measurable programs that will allow for the same outcome. One of the primary goals for all businesses is to provide the best quality products/service for the lowest cost. This promotes higher margins and increases the ability to free up capital and reinvest in your company. To get started, focus on the elimination of waste within your supply chain. Target excess motion, extra processing, and obsolete inventory. What data should a company collect? Nick Nowak | Lean Solutions Project Manager Lean methodologies are driven mainly by data. So, in every case, the more data, the better. However, some basic information a company should collect is:
How can I find opportunities for improvement? Chris Tomlinson | Lean Solutions Manager Trying to determine if you need to enlist help to improve? Take a common-sense look at your supply chain processes and ask yourself, “Is this the most efficient and effective way to perform this function?” Check these areas to gauge if Lean processes could help you. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
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If time is spent on any of those, there’s room for improvement. If you have a business ownership mindset, this will be an eye-opening exercise due to the number of avoidable costs in your supply chain. This is just a small example of what is analyzed in the development of a world-class supply chain. Ask yourself, “Are we really focusing on our core competency as a company?” If you are a manufacturing company, are all your efforts and resources focused on becoming or remaining the best at making your product? Next steps What you can do Take time to collect your data. With these data points, you will have a good look at your current process. This exercise offers visibility for potential changes. Then you can decide whether you want to handle everything on your own or if you’d prefer to bring in a partner. How Fastenal can help We analyze the data points because data doesn’t lie. The data helps us determine purchasing habits. Even when purchased through a computer-based system, parts can have emotional purchasing decisions behind them. We analyze each line and look for deviations from the norm, trends, and adaptations to those trends. Then we help you build a supply chain program that can cut waste and build efficiencies. What's available Fastenal has a team of 210 Lean specialists, project managers, and Lean coordinators who act as consultant-based partners. Aligning with your long-term goals, we help design and establish Lean/Six Sigma programs. Then, together, we identify and reduce waste in your supply chain. Vertical Divider
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What You Can Do
Take time to collect your data. With these data points, you will have a good look at your current process. This exercise offers visibility for potential changes. Then you can decide whether you want to handle everything on your own or if you’d prefer to bring in a partner. How Fastenal Can Help We analyze the data points because data doesn’t lie. The data helps us determine purchasing habits. Even when purchased through a computer-based system, parts can have emotional purchasing decisions behind them. We analyze each line and look for deviations from the norm, trends, and adaptations to those trends. Then we help you build a supply chain program that can cut waste and build efficiencies. What's Available Fastenal has a team of 210 Lean specialists, project managers, and Lean coordinators who act as consultant-based partners. Aligning with your long-term goals, we help design and establish Lean/Six Sigma programs. Then, together, we identify and reduce waste in your supply chain. Learn more by visiting here. Like what you're seeing here? Subscribe to the Blue Print for FREE and get the magazine sent right to your address.
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