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Lean production and quality management
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Lean production means making products using as few resources as possible, with as little waste as possible.
Just in time
Just in time (JIT): materials arrive exactly when needed, so very little inventory is held.
This cuts storage costs and waste, and frees up cash. But it depends on reliable suppliers.
This cuts storage costs and waste, and frees up cash. But it depends on reliable suppliers.
Kaizen
Kaizen is a Japanese word meaning continuous improvement.
All workers suggest small, regular improvements to how things are done. Over time, these add up to big gains in efficiency and quality.
It uses resources effectively and motivates workers by involving them.
All workers suggest small, regular improvements to how things are done. Over time, these add up to big gains in efficiency and quality.
It uses resources effectively and motivates workers by involving them.
Total quality management (TQM)
TQM makes quality the responsibility of every employee in every department, aiming for zero defects and satisfied customers.
It applies to goods and to services.
Quality control inspects to find faults; TQM builds quality into everything, which reduces waste and gives a competitive advantage.
It applies to goods and to services.
Quality control inspects to find faults; TQM builds quality into everything, which reduces waste and gives a competitive advantage.
Workers on a production line suggest moving a tool rack closer, saving 10 seconds per item. Which lean method is this?
- A small improvement suggested by workers.
- Part of a continuous process.
Answer: Kaizen (continuous improvement)
Lean production reduces waste. JIT keeps inventory minimal. Kaizen is continuous improvement through small steps by all workers. TQM makes everyone responsible for quality.
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