Lean Process is a term that conceptualizes the way in which companies can improve stock processes in all company departments. This means that, following him, they will become more productive and, consequently, more competitive.
The main idea is that the value of the product or service can be better in the eyes of the customer and that the company can also avoid waste and unnecessary costs. In short: create more value and reduce costs.
See below how the lean process methodology works and how it can be used in your company.
What is the Lean Process?
We are talking about a work process philosophy within companies. The idea is to make better use of human capital, transform management and enhance results. In Lean Process, it is necessary to be in constant analysis to reduce waste, achieve greater engagement with people and, consequently, maximize processes.
This management philosophy was based on the results obtained by the production system used at Toyota. It is a type of mindset, that is, we are not just talking about something specific to improve the company, but a change in the way of thinking and, consequently, in the habits and behaviors of the people who are part of it. It is also a way of stimulating the organizational culture of the environment.
What are the techniques used in the Lean Process?
The first step is to eliminate the waste generated by the company. We are not talking only about physical resources, but as a whole as the waste of time between the processes and the time needed to complete each one. See below what are the waste analyzed by this methodology:
- defects: refer to those products or services that do not comply with the standard and, therefore, the company will have to spend resources to modify them or even lose them;
- waiting: for example, when the company is waiting for a supplier or previous step to start producing;
- unused talent: not listening to the shop floor, that is, the people who deal with processes on a daily basis;
- transport: for example, choose the nearest supplier, reducing delivery time and freight costs;
- inventory: refers to the surplus product, which occupies unnecessary space, can become outdated or spoil causing damage;
- movement: the time spent trying to find items that should be in a specific place or even space occupied in a non-functional way, hindering the movement of people in the environment;
- extra processing: avoid robotic processes in which unnecessary actions are performed. For example, closing the coffee cup for the customer and he opens the cup at the same time to put sugar.
What tools to use?
Within this methodology, the company can make use of several tools to implement the Lean Process in all departments. Remember that it will only work if all employees participate and take ideas as a philosophy within the work environment.
For example, the 5S method, which can be applied to various niches, can also be used in the business world. It aims to keep the workplace organized and visually adequate so that everyone can produce better.
Another tool is the use of the PDCA cycle (plan, do, analyze, act). Through it, it is easier to identify failures in planning and in the execution of a given process. Through analysis, the company can act to solve the problem or prevent a greater evil.
