Additive Manufacturing e 3D Printing
What does the term “additive manufacturing” mean?
Additive manufacturing refers to a process of...
An analysis of the benefits and advantages that companies sensitive to Lean Thinking encounter, as well as an in-depth analysis of its organizational model and the key points of the lean production approach.
What is Lean Manufacturing?
The Lean Manufacturing philosophy was introduced by the Toyota car manufacturer around 1940, implementing an innovative operating model.
The term indicates an approach to production that focuses on eliminating waste and optimizing processes.
It is a production method whose implementation purposes are linked to improving efficiency and quality.
From a production perspective, waste management is what adds value neither to the product nor to the company.
Lean Manufacturing is made up of a series of principles and practices, including just-in-time, or production synchronized with demand.
Linked to the world of corporate organization, another concept that focuses on continuous improvement is Kaizen.
This is a type of internal process that affects management and the entire company staff.
It has been demonstrated how this approach can effectively contribute to the optimization of production by reducing timing and waste.
Therefore, by minimizing stocks, operational flexibility is improved and customer satisfaction is increased.
The five principles of Lean Manufacturing
The philosophy of "lean production" thinking influences the various aspects of the production cycle and is essentially based on five principles.
- Customer value
Being able to analyze the type of value that that type of request can generate in terms of profit.
- Value stream
Have a clear vision of the product life cycle and identify critical issues
- Continuous stream
Ensure uninterrupted operation, as production stops are followed by waste
- Customer demand
To optimize production, we proceed with production only at the time of request
- Perfection
The Lean Manufacturing philosophy involves an approach that aims at continuous improvement and the achievement of a perfect process.
Advantages of Lean Manufacturing
Implementing methodologies and tools that aim to conduct activities to perfection certainly leads to greater efficiency.
Company performance is therefore optimized, as are resources and timing. Ensuring a reduction in waste is one of the pillars of Lean Manufacturing and creates great added value.
The waste of time, the production of waste and the materials produced are activities considered superfluous and which threaten the harmony of the production flow.
Knowing how to rationalize waste is a great advantage and running a business following the guidelines of the Lean philosophy has other benefits.
- Higher product quality
- A better lead time
- Contribute to sustainable development
- Greater profits
There is no denying that digital transformation has brought about a change in consumer purchasing habits.
The manufacturing sector is the one that has had to deal with requests for flexibility more than anyone else.
Both for greater customization of requests, based on customer needs, and for the different opportunities arising from digital.
Adopting a smart approach requires analytical ability to acquire, organize, process and above all share strategic data.