Explain what a lean production system is, how it will function, and discuss the importance of a company having a lean production strategy. Identify the key elements of a lean production strategy, and discuss why each is an important ingredient to a lean production strategy. Provide an example of at least one company that has used lean production as a competitive advantage. Describe how the integration of lean production strategy could assist a company.
Explain what a lean production system is and why a lean production strategy is important to a company. Identify and describe the following basic elements of a lean production system:
- Focus on the operator, continuous flow production
- Quality at the source
- A safe, orderly, and clean workplace
- A flexible, cross-trained team
- Visual workplace
- Standard work methods
Research and identify a current company that has used lean production as a source of competitive advantage and explain how that company used its supply chain as that source of competitive advantage.