Lean manufacturing techniques have been successful as strategic initiatives to help manufacturers increase profitability and reduce costs. Lean manufacturing is grounded in customer value and continually seeks to identify and eliminate non-value-added activities in the production processes. Lean synchronizes and sequences these processes to changing customer demand by creating a smooth flow of material using pull-based replenishment methods. By creating a visual and standardized work environment Lean provides employees with relevant and timely information that empowers them to rapidly diagnose and resolve issues, thus improving their productivity, raising quality standards and lowering production costs. This guide discusses how information technology complements and augments the manual Lean manufacturing techniques at many successful companies.

Date Published: August 2015

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