Lean Manufacturing

Discover the history of lean manufacturing and learn how the contributions of Henry Ford, Taiichi Ohno, and Shigeo Shingo worked together to form what is today known as lean manufacturing. This module will also explore the three essential elements of the Toyota Production System.

A disorganized work area not only makes it hard to find items, but it makes working effectively and efficiently difficult as well. Lean principles are designed to help an organization achieve process perfection. The foundation includes employee involvement, adding maximum value, and eliminating waste.

Sort involves getting rid of unnecessary items and general clutter in the work area. Sort helps ensure that only necessary items remain in the workplace.

Straighten is a method for organizing the workplace to reduce wasted steps, motion, and time. You’ll explore techniques designed to help you store tools where they’re needed and visually obvious. You’ll also learn to use outlines and labels to identify the location of machines, walkways, and storage areas.

Shine is maintaining order through cleaning. Daily cleaning routines are established to maintain a clean and tidy working environment. You’ll explore steps for keeping equipment clean and in good working order.

Learn about standardizing the Sort, Straighten, and Shine activities. Learners will also discover basic guidance on how to keep the 5S effort active in your organization.

The last step of 5S, Sustain, is considered the most difficult step of the 5S process. Sustain is defined as the training and discipline needed to maintain 5S. In this course, you’ll learn why sustaining the 5S effort takes so much work and commitment by everyone.