5.3 Lean Production and Quality Management

Assessment Objectives
The following features of lean production: Less waste Greater efficiency	AO1
The following methods of lean production: Continuous improvement (Kaizen) Just-in-time (JIT) Kanban Andon	AO2

Lean production

• Lean Production – a company dedicated to making the world of manufacturing more productive hosts a variety of explanations and resources on lean production.

• Lean production – a detailed explanation of lean production, its benefits and possible drawbacks.

• Competitive advantage through efficiency – lean production, continuous improvement, just-in-time, and total quality management explained through a case study of Aldi.

• Introduction to Lean Manufacturing – an overview of the history of lean production and its various approaches with numerous examples.

Continuous improvement (Kaizen)

• Kaizen – an explanation of continuous improvement and quality circles.

• Why Continuous Improvement May Need To Be Discontinued – an article on why continuous improvement may need to be discontinued.

• Continuous Improvement Process Definition – main features, benefits, and evaluation of continuous improvement.

Just-in-time

• Just in Time (JIT) – an explanation and analysis of just-in-time, Kanban, and total quality management, including how these systems relate to the various stakeholders.

• The Advantages of Just-in-Time Inventory Systems – a brief explanation and benefits of just-in-time.

• Managing the supply chain for globally integrated products – just-in-time and lean production explained through a case study on Exel and Volkswagen.

Kanban

• Toyota Production System – Toyota explains just-in-time and Kanban system of production.

• What Is an Inventory Kanban? – a brief explanation of Kanban and its benefits.

• Continuous Improvement – JIT and Kanban explained from the perspective of the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Andon

• Andon Systems in manufacturing and process operations – an explanation and example of Andon display boards.

• Andon Cords at the Toyota Takaota Plant – It Doesn’t Come Naturally? – a blog post explaining Andon in action.

Assessment Objectives
Features of quality control and quality assurance	AO1
The following methods of managing quality: Quality circles Benchmarking Total quality management (TQM)	AO2
The impact of lean production and TQM on an organisation	AO3
The importance of national and international quality standards	AO2

• The Difference Between Quality Assurance and Quality Control – the difference between quality control and assurance in detail.

• ISO – the International Organization for Standards (ISO). Includes an index of international standards and their benefits.

• What ISO standards do for you