Lean Manufacturing

[koolisj]

Good day all,
I am starting a "LEAN" line through the next two years. I am in Southern California. I am asking anyone if they know of companies out here that I could check with and maybe tour there floor. If any one else has any imput, it would be greatly appriciated.
THANKS

[rockrat]

Your local university will have more info than you know what to do with. When we started the Lean principals our local university was where everyone was going to learn and share about the process. Otherwise, if you can find the local chapter of SME or ASME they can point you in the right direction. Good luck.

[This message has been edited by rockrat (edited 01-28-2005).]

[Paul Alciatore]

What, exactly, is a "Lean" line?

Paul A.

[rockrat]

I might be wrong but I think that koolisj was talking about Lean Manufacturing. A set of tools and a method of application that promotes finding cost savings and improving productivity. Guys, this is nothing new, no matter what the outside Lean contractors try to tell you. It is just a method that uses the same tools taught in 2 and 4 year technical schools and colleges. Tools like SPC, FMEA, process mapping, etc are used to find areas to save money.

I think that it is a good way to look at manufacturing. It does find issues in manufacturing. Right now it is a big buzz word in the manufacturing industry. I'm just lost on why SPC and the other tools were supposedly "forgotten" and then suddenly found. Must have been a outside contractor thing. Or some dude working on his PHD.

[J Tiers]

Not sure if it will apply, but try QSC. They make amplifiers for sound contractors. While some of the "low end" has gone to china, they still have a factory there.

Last I heard, they were doing the whole kanban deal for parts, no manufacturing to stock, all to order. Their minimum delay to put an order in line and have it shippable (for a whole amplifier) is about 45 minutes.

It seems to be working for them.