If you’ve been around manufacturing, production or any field involving project management for more than a minute, you’ve heard people talk about “Lean.” Lean refers to designing a process in the most efficient way to increase quality, decrease waste and optimise the bottom line.
You might think of Henry Ford, who first integrated the entire production process using interchangeable parts and the assembly line. Decades later, Toyota took this a step further by fine-tuning each step of the manufacturing process. For instance, Toyota pioneered use of quick machine setups so the company’s machines could efficiently make small volumes of many different parts.
Of course, you may not be operating a Ford or Toyota-sized enterprise, so how does Lean manufacturing apply to your small-to-medium-sized printing shop? No matter the size or scope of your work, Lean can help you operate more efficiently and effectively, serving customers through better quality products, in less time, and at a better price point. Remember, at its core, Lean means less waste and more productivity, and that can and should apply anywhere.
Curiously, the COVID-19 shutdown has made the case for Lean more compelling, since it has created a backlog of print projects that will soon come rushing to your door. Companies will want to ramp up quickly for election mailings, holiday marketing and other end-of-year initiatives. Creating a Lean printing process will mean you can say “yes” to that work with the confidence that you can deliver for your customers.
Now is the time to integrate Lean principles because your shop may be slower than normal due to the pandemic. You may find that slowdown disconcerting, but it’s actually an opportunity to spend time evaluating, streamlining and planning – and Lean is the perfect place to start.
This eBook will walk you through how to move through the five steps of a Lean analysis using your Print Management Information System (Print MIS) as a tool. An effective Print MIS should be able to: