Introduction
The term lean production refers to a management production approach that focuses on reducing waste while at the same time ensuring that high quality products are produced. The lean production tools and principles aims at reducing costs associated with production as well as ensuring that the process of production is made efficient and responsive to the needs of the market. Lean production can be used in all aspects of production ranging from design to distribution of the products produced.
The company is currently facing certain problems which are making production which are reducing production inefficiency. For instance, large amount of work in progress are waiting in between the saws and the assembly station. This is because the backup of the WIP always develop some mechanical problems during the day from two stand points. One, from the standpoint of the safety and second from the standpoint of the ability to locate the required cart quickly and easily. These problems are affecting the ability of the company to ensure that production is done in time without delay. For instance, it is reducing the efficiency and effectiveness of production.
How principles of lean production can be used to improve Willey’s situation
The above problems facing the company can be eliminated by making use of the lean production techniques and principles. The company can make use of just in time inventory production. This is because just in time production helps to eliminate inventory and WIP. It also ensures that the raw materials to be used in production arrive just in time as they are needed. This will help to avoid delays which are seen to contributing to low production by the company.
In order to achieve just in time production, the Willey Company should ensure that the carts are fitted with long life durable and replaceable lithium battery. Such consideration will help to avoid delays caused by delays in production which is always caused by mechanical problems developed by the backup of the WIP.
