Lean management, i.e. lean management – what exactly is it? Lean management is designed to optimize processes and activities, thereby avoiding any waste of all kinds. But how exactly is this approach implemented and designed in companies? All the important things about this now in this article.
Lean management benefits and definition
Lean management is an approach to continuous process optimization. It is therefore an approach in companies that is implemented on a permanent basis. This is also not limited to one area, but can be applied to any area of the company. The main goal is to make the entire value chain as efficient as possible. The central aspects here are customer orientation and cost reduction. By eliminating waste of any kind, values are to be created without waste.
To this end, all processes and activities must be coordinated in such a way that all waste in the value chain is avoided. The staff should always be involved, as this can increase employee motivation. There are also advantages for the customer. The optimized processes save time and result in lower production costs. This, in turn, can reduce the offer price, which will increase competitiveness.
Video: Lean Management Simply Explained – Definition, Production, Human Resources, Customers, Pro & Contra
Source: YouTube.com / The Charity Economy
The way is the goal
One of the most important things about implementing lean management in companies is the basic understanding of employees for this. It can only work if every employee internalizes that lean management is not a project that has a specific end goal and is eventually completed. Much more, it represents a fundamental corporate philosophy. Errors must be allowed and problems must be explained openly. This is the only way for companies in lean management to develop further. How do you say so beautifully? You learn from mistakes and that’s the right approach.
So it’s supposed to be a kind of routine where you want to keep improving. Mistakes are not a bad thing. The path to perfection is the goal of lean management. With proper integration, this can become an important pillar in companies. This enables companies to adapt to the constantly changing market requirements and to react flexibly, quickly and effectively both internally and externally.
Lean management in the different areas of a company
As explained earlier, lean management is always applicable to all areas of company. It is a holistic model and affects every single employee. For this reason, the following will show how lean management can be applied in the different areas.
Lean management in the office
Where does Lean Management start? In the office of every company. Perception and implementation must be right. So it starts in the minds of the employees that a fundamental change is taking place here. Here it is applied by various concepts, the combination of which should result in the best possible added value. Examples include Lean Administration or Kaizen.
[easy-tweet tweet=”Kaizen kommt aus dem japanischen und ist ein Verfahren in der Fertigungstechnik, bei der InnovationsManagement und Verbesserung zentrale Rollen spielen.” user=”MirkoPeters8″ url=”https://bit.ly/2X1khtW” template=”user”]It is seen as an important pillar in the long-term competitive strategy of companies.
In the office, there are often many problems such as interface problems, time-eaters, queries or ambiguities that negatively affect effectiveness. These are to be eliminated by lean management. However, this requires a basis that must be created and, above all, should have high productivity and flexibility as an objective. The 5S method is a proven means of doing this. It’s about keeping the workplace tidy and tidy. Create a basis, so to speak. This also cleans up the employee’s head and creates clear structures. The goal is a continuous improvement process, which is initiated by clear and transparent cooperation with the employees.
Lean management in production
Toyota’s production system is considered the most efficient in the world. But what does the car manufacturer do so well? Any waste in the plant has been eliminated. There are different methods for this than approaches. For example, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) increases the efficiency of workflows and improves the profitability of the company. The cost of production must also be reduced. Automation at many necessary and meaningful points in the workflow is well suited for this. Lean Production is also part of lean management. Comprehensive and cyclically-resistant recipes for success within the framework of lean production include stable processes, uniform production, identification of waste, and reliable employees. Optimal teamwork and customer-oriented action play a very important role.
Video: What is Total Productive Maintenance?
Source: YouTube.com / ITB Operations & Process Management (Prof. Dr. R. Ziegenbein, FH Münster)
Lean management in logistics
Due to the large number of work processes in the logistics chain, there are often delays. As a result, lean management is also becoming increasingly important in logistics in order to optimize these processes. Acting as waste-free and customer-oriented as possible promotes corporate performance. Shorten supply chains and the just-in-time principle are two approaches to optimizing and eliminating waste.
Lean management is intended for companies of all kinds. It is sustainable corporate governance that can be used to react flexibly and quickly to market changes. However, it must be understood that this is not a one-off project that can be completed, but is a fundamental corporate principle. It is equally important that all areas of companies are involved. From office to production to logistics. Everywhere, the main goal is to eliminate waste and a lasting urge for improvement. If this is successfully done, companies can gain market advantages and place themselves better than their competitors.
