Lean Production Process Planning Process

My organization deals in furniture making and the need of the customer triggers our production process which is a Pull Approach. Our definition of value involves features that operations deliver to create utility for the customer in terms of quality, price and performance. Lean production is all about eradication of any form of waste of time and storage. Just in time (JIT) is the platform for developing our lean model which means that our furniture is made when it is ordered for as in takt time. This is to reduce Muda, Mura and Muri.Ohno (1988).

Our lean operations

The value stream for each product for which our employees is committed to is diagrammatically represented below in steps; Lean production system is applied in the manufacturing

This makes the wooden furniture become attractive. The lean production system is followed during the carving process by saving the waste wood that actually is extracted during the process.

Designing:

Designing is done in the most effective manner wherein efforts are made to use the saved furniture scrap/particles. The lean production system is therefore followed through which the particles wood is brought under usage. The application of Kaizen technique is adopted here to achieve more attractive output from business operation process.

Polishing and Coloring:

This is the last step in the production process when the wooden parts of furniture are either colored or polished as per the requirements ready to be assembled in the later stage. The lean production system here is fair use of paint and polish, such that least wastage occurs and the maximum output is reached during the production process.

Transportation:

The transportation of the wooden accessories or parts is done as demanded by the customer for purchase. The lean system is JIT as transportation of disassembled wooden parts is done through company’s transport medium and no inventory or storage cost incurred. Also supply of spare wooden parts in adjustable form to the customer home.

Although it has shortcoming of managing volume thereby resulting in delay of delivery and the changing taste of the customer for variety, MRP is also applied for forecasting purposes and to avoid any form of idleness

The Role of IS in supporting operations

This cannot be over emphasized as it integrates the business information and ease dissemination while automating the business process. It provides assistance to production and operations via use of computer integrated manufacturing and it supports our business activity in accounting, finance thereby enhancing decision making whether operational, management or strategic level.

Conclusion

In conclusion JIT is appropriate for our company as there is always demand for our products and suppliers are quite co-operative.Nevertheless,due to the irresponsive nature of JIT systems to large volumes,MRP is also applied for the purpose of