"The most dangerous kind of waste
Is the waste we don't recognize."

-Shigeo Shingo

Lean Manufacturing is a philosophy that uses manufacturing performance as a competitive weapon. Lean Manufacturing says all non-value added activity must be eliminated from the production process and administrative functions. With waste eliminated throughout the organization, companies experience some of the following benefits:

• Decrease in production costs
• Shorter production/processing lead-times
• Improvement in quality and customer service
• Reduction in overhead costs
• Better utilization of floor space

Customers are demanding their suppliers be more and more responsive to ever-changing needs. Pressure to reduce costs and reduce lead times for quicker response is mandatory. Competition brings increased expectations - customers want more for less, and they want it fast. Lean Manufacturing improvements will show you the way to a leaner, more profitable business.

In addition to providing Lean Implementation services, MEP conducts workshops & seminars on the following topics. Check our Events Calendar for dates of upcoming courses.

• Lean Thinking Executive Overview: A brief overview for decision-makers highlighting Lean benefits, barriers to implementation, and a recommended Lean implementation plan.
   
• Principles of Lean Manufacturing with Live Simulation: The first step to learning the principles of lean manufacturing. No previous experience necessary. Participants walk away understanding the 8 wastes in manufacturing.
   
• Value Stream Mapping: Learn methods for mapping the current state of a product, process, or service using current data and non-value-added activities, and then mapping to the desired future state.
   
• 5S / Visual Manufacturing: Learn methods for transforming a factory into a place where thousands of messages concerning product quality, productivity, schedule, and safety become visible.
   
• Setup Reduction / Quick Changeover: Definition of setup, followed by discussion on reasons for barriers to reducing setup times.
   
• Cellular / Flow Manufacturing: Demonstration and hands-on practice for linking and balancing manufacturing operations to reduce lead times, minimize work-in-process inventory, optimize floor space usage, and improve productivity.
   
• Pull / Kanban Systems: Discussion on controlling shop floor inventory and production schedules by implementing efficient pull systems, rather than pushing orders into the process.
   
• Total Productive Maintenance: Methods to proactively maintain machines and equipment at their peak efficiency.