Lean Tools and Techniques for Flow and Pull

The Using Lean for Perfection and Quality Course is part of the Lean for Business Organizations Program includes the following 6 sections:

1. Introduction to Lean for Service and Manufacturing,

2. Using Lean for Perfection and Quality,

3. Lean Tools and Techniques for Flow and Pull,

4. Reducing Waste and Streamlining Value Flow Using Lean,

5. Value Stream Mapping in Lean Business, and

6. Applying Lean in Service and Manufacturing Organizations

Lean Tools and Techniques for Flow and Pull

How can you make your organization more efficient? The simplest way is to eliminate waste from your processes. This waste can be caused by many factors, such as untidy workspaces and surplus inventory. Or it might be caused by inefficient distribution of work. Using Lean tools, you can make your processes smoother and your workspaces tidier.

To implement a Lean solution, you must know what tools and techniques are available, and which ones would best help you. You have to select the best blend of Lean techniques for your organization. You can use a number of Lean techniques to make your organization run more smoothly. These include the visual workplace, just-in-time, kanban, and line balancing.

The visual workplace uses signs and other visual cues to convey information quickly. The visual cues include work instructions, process flow diagrams, and status boards.

Just-in-time ensures that you have exactly the right amount of supplies needed at any time. This helps to reduce surplus inventory.

Kanban cards are triggers that alert the team to send more parts or supplies. The parts are then "pulled" into the system, based on demand.

Line balancing results in the even distribution of work among workers. No workers are overburdened, and no workers are left idle.

Using the Lean techniques outlined in this course will help you to develop strategies for improving flow and pull in your organization.

That’s it! Now go ahead and push that “Take this course” button and see you on the inside!