An Overview of Lean Practice

In your workplace, have you heard the word “Lean”? I am sure many of you have. The word “Lean” was first described in 1988 by John Krafcik, who was a quality engineer at GM-Toyota joint venture “NUMMI” plant in Fremont, CA. Krafcik has continued to research the Lean method jointly with MIT researchers, such as Jim Womack, who is a major active advocator for “Lean”. The concept of “Lean” was majorly adopted from Toyota Production System (TPS) and developed through the 1990’s.

Since I learned about TPS in Japan from my previous Japanese manufacturers, I have a sense of the differences between Lean and TPS. Understanding some differences could create more awareness of the need to implement the Lean practice in your workplace. In looking at the differences between the two, we would describe the Lean concept in more of an implementation-oriented method that is compartmentalized. TPS would be described as an integrated system that is autonomous. Both the method and the system are considered as a series of streamlining production processes. TPS emphasizes the elimination of waste and non-value added activities in the workplace.

This emphasis is directly related to the Japanese culture and value system, which are different from the US or Western culture and value system. Understanding the history, culture and value through the roots of TPS in comparison with the US methods will lead to a more comprehensive overall picture of cutting edge Lean practices in the US.

I am very excited about this opportunity to share my experiences and research about the Lean and TPS processes with members and general participants of Cascade Employers Association. This workshop is scheduled on Thursday, November 10, 2011; 8:30am to 10:30am at the Cascade Employer Association facility in Salem. Hope this piques your interest in this topic and you will plan to come to the workshop on November 10. I am looking forward to seeing you soon.

Ken Sakai
President & CEO
Pacific Dreams, Inc.