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Three Small- and Medium-Sized Firms,
U.S.A.
 Smaller
and mid-sized organizations pride themselves on being nimble – quick to
respond and to
seize
opportunities. Many believe smaller size is more manageable; and that
internal communications in a
smaller group
can be maintained so employees can take ownership of more than their own
corner of the enterprise. One key to success is maximizing resources and
discovering inventive ways to overcome budget limitations. Another trend is
moving from a PUSH system
–
building to
forecasts
–
to a
PULL system, building in response to orders.
Lean Enterprise: 13 Tips
Spectra-Physics in Eugene, Oregon, manufactures supermarket scanners
that read bar codes. It does not enjoy some of the corporate support
structures its competition has, so Spectra-Physics learned to uncover and
take advantage of previously overlooked resources. These include learning
from customers and suppliers and finding peer companies in other industries
interested in exchanging ideas. Spectra-Physics certifies experienced
associates the way many manufacturers certify suppliers. These certified
associates are called on as trainers.
Williams Technologies of Summerville, South Carolina, carved a niche for
itself in low volume, mixed model remanufacturing of automatic
transmissions. To achieve the flexibility required to make mixed model
production work, Williams Technologies developed a computerized shop floor
control system. Build sheets with visual parts presentation are displayed on
monitors all along the line.
Mobilite by Invacare produces home care patient beds in Sanford,
Florida. Mobilite redesigned its manufacturing process for
competitive advantage. It moved
from batch processes to focused factory lines, minimizing the space between
operations. This led to one piece part flow, reducing work in process and
keeping just in time inventory moving through the lines. Mobilite takes care
to match training to the
business plan.
Lean Manufacturing Overview
(42
PowerPoint slides by
Factory Strategies Group LLC)
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