Page 82 - Linkline Yearbook 2017

Leaning In: The Why and How of Lean Management
Understanding the fundamental processes and tools of lean management is a way to greatly reduce inefficiency, engage the workforce, and cut unnecessary costs.
Jerry S. Sikula
We have all read numerous articles about Lean, Lean Six Sigma, Operational Excellence, TPS, TPM... and the list goes on and on. The reason, is that we all
are trying to figure out how to be the best of the best in our industry. For some of us this is very true, and for others it may be a sign of the times or a flavor of the month. But what I am hoping if you are reading this that you fall into yet an- other category; that of continuous improvement, continuous learning. Lean management today does take an approach that the tools come from structure and foundation, however, the landscape is constantly changing. We must evolve as managers and leaders to not only continue to improve our department/site/company, but continue our learning and training to share best practices within our lean community.
Getting started in lean
There are a number of questions we need to ask before we can begin implementing lean. What does lean look like? Why do we do it? Lastly, how do we do it and find gains and ways to sustain the improvements?
Our objective here is to:
• Identify key aspects/tools of a successful lean initiative
• Understand elements of defining a value stream and business case for lean
• Evaluate your progress on the lean journey to world class performance
82 The CharTered InsTITuTe of LogIsTICs & TransporT
LEAN MANAGEMENT