BUCHANAN, MI--(Marketwire - May 7, 2010) - Bosch Rexroth is offering advice on how to incorporate lean principles into the design of a new factory, or expansion of an existing factory, in an episode of their lean manufacturing podcast series.
Developed with lean manufacturing expert Jamie Flinchbaugh, Rexroth's "Designing New Facilities to be Lean" discusses the value and importance of incorporating lean principles into the design of a new facility. The challenge is to make sure that the whole process is lean.
Flinchbaugh emphasizes that there are three major categories to consider for ensuring lean operation in a new facility.
- The process of designing the factory -- how is waste handled and how is the process made more efficient and effective?
- The design of the factory -- how does the design contribute to the company's goals for lean operation?
- The launch of the operation itself -- how is the work performed once the factory is launched?
To begin the design process, a broad range of engineers and other reviewers should be consulted to capture critical input and requirements. For example, it's important to involve employees who participate in running any part of the factory to explain how the design of the factory might affect their ability to perform efficiently.
Once the new factory is built, the workforce needs to be trained on the skill sets and behaviors that are important to the new factory so all efficiencies resulting from the new design can be realized when the factory opens.
"Designing New Facilities to be Lean" is episode number 14 in Rexroth's lean manufacturing podcast series, available for listening or free download from the company's website at http://www.boschrexroth-us.com/leanpodcast. The podcast series is also available from the iTunes podcast library and other podcast directories on the web.
Developed by Bosch Rexroth's Linear Motion and Assembly Technologies group, each eight- to ten-minute lean manufacturing podcast episode presents guest experts and information to help manufacturers and OEMs understand and apply lean principles and practices in their businesses.
