MEC utilizes Lean manufacturing philosophy to support customers with highly variable scheduling. In adopting Lean principles we looked at three areas:
- Improvement initiatives on the production floor
- Streamlining administrative procedures
- Strong linkage with our Customer-Focused Program Teams
- Development of an internal Lean culture
In identifying “muda” or waste, our team focuses on the entire product realization process working to eliminate:
- Overproduction
- Material or work-in-process (WIP) in a wait state
- Unnecessary transport
- Overprocessing
- Excess inventory
- Unnecessary movement
- Defects
- Unused creativity
The end result for your project is a focus on:
- Minimized transactions through a proactive approach to scheduling and forecasting
- Minimized inventory liability through close alignment through customized Demand Pull programs
- Manufacturable/testable product through good initial product analysis and longer-term teaming on product development
- On-time delivery through a combination of good joint forecasting and customized finished goods kanban
MEC in Action Case Study
Lean Event Process Review
Situation: A customer-specific work cell was performing below expectations in both productivity and work-in-process.
Solution: MEC team leaders called for a "Lean Event" process review. This led to implementation of a POU pull system utilizing kanban cards. The system is now managed by the Team Leader with very little interaction with purchasing. Waste was identified and eliminated, resulting in fewer hours needed to meet the customer's requirement.
Results: On-time delivery to the customer significantly improved. WIP was reduced by 86%. Productivity of the cell improved by 40%.