Lean Production System - Research Paper Example

According to Pascal (2007) this production system has elevated many manufacturing companies over the years and it still has great significance in today’s corporate environment. Generally, this production system involves making a company efficient in terms of production and sleek provision of services to its consumers. The main reason as to why companies apply this system in their operation is to beat the stiff completion in the market and gain a greater competitive advantage. From a lean production system an organization is able to minimize the surplus and waste produced in an organization (Pascal, 2007).

According to Wormack & Jones (2003) waste elimination was the first objective in the invention of both the Toyota Production System and the Lean Production System. The lean production system is governed by certain principles of which are aimed at reducing the production of waste in an organization. The principles include: Leveled production Pull system Continuous flow processing 3Ms (Muda, Muri, Mura) Talk time Flexible workforce The 5Ss (sorting, sweeping, sifting, sustenance and spick and span).

In leveled production the system aims at improving the company’s production on a single line of production. In this case an organization is made to produce more models of the same production. This is usually aimed at increasing the level in which the consumer’s needs and demands are catered for. To make it more efficient, different models of production are analyzed by determining the ratio of their demand (Pascal, 2007). From the ratios, the production then begins with a consideration of the demand level each model has.

This reduces both shortage and waste of the produced goods. The pull system is like a backward movement of production where the consumers trigger the process. Without the demand of the consumer then there will be no production. For instance, a visit to McDonald in need of a burger, there is usually no burger ready yet until you order. After you order the restaurant then begin the production of the burger. Generally, the system first considers demand before commencing with the production (Wormack & Jones, 2003).

After the implementation of the pull system it is mandatory to have a continuous flow of processes. After demands from consumers, it is only logical if an organization can provide a smooth follow up with the process of production (Temple & Hunter, 2003). For this to be achievable every step in the production process should be well managed and formulated. The three Ms are word from the Japanese dictionary. Muda means non-valued added, mura means overburden and muri means unevenness. The three Ms are problems which hinder the effective application of the just in time production (Pascal, 2007).

From the three Ms an organization has a clear picture on what to improve. Talk time refers to the time specified to complete a set of tasks. The talk time is usually governed by the consumer’s demand (Temple & Hunter, 2003). For instance, if the time specified for the assembly of cars per day is 500 minutes and there are 100 cars to be assembled, the time taken to assemble one car should be five minutes. A flexible workforce is a staff that can be able to do any required operation at any given time.

From a flexible workforce an organization makes it efficient to have the just in time production and have a well managed talk time. One company that has successfully implemented the Lean Production System is the Toyota