Lean manufacturing philosophy revolves around the elimination of waste in a manufacturing system. It not only deals with the removal of material waste, but it also reduces the wastage of labor and time. It is a system of determining which activities or process will add value by reducing certain other aspects of the manufacturing system. Lean production is assembly line method which not only focuses on removing waste from the system. The concept of lean manufacturing is also associated with increasing speed, efficiency and improving the quality through waste elimination. The lean production method is based on just in time inventory management, Kanban scheduling system, 5S workplace organization and much more.
Lean production emphasis on optimizing the efficiency. It is a combination of well-proven tools and techniques which can improve the process of production. Lean production is a less human effort, less investment, and less manufacturing space. Lean manufacturing is the latest fad of the twenty-first century. Like every operational activity lean production systems also have some advantages as well as disadvantages. Lean production advantages and disadvantages are as follows:
Lean Production Advantages
Cost Saving
The lean production makes it possible for small as well as large companies to produce quality products at least possible cost. Lean manufacturing solutions minimize waste from material defects to ergonomics. Through lean manufacturing, organizations are saving the material as well as time from wastage which significantly contributes to the reduction of production cost.
Saves Time
The lean production system is the system of managing the waste and improving the overall efficiency of the production system. The lean manufacturing system is influencing organizations to take advantage of resources in less time. Lean manufacturing system by managing the time is enabling organizations to maintain a lean workforce.
Easier Monitoring
Lean manufacturing is a theory of minimum wastage in the production system. It allows the production managers to save time and cost. Moreover, the lean manufacturing system is easier to monitor. By making the use of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) organizations can identify and seal the loopholes of wastage. Production managers can easily monitor the functions of the organizations.
Improved Customer Relationship Management
Lean manufacturing positively influences the functions of the production department. Lean manufacturing involves less interruption and increases the sustainability of the organization. Lean manufacturing offers a pleasant working environment for workers which increase employee morale. Lean manufacturing by enhancing the efficiency of the production system build a strong customer relationship. Successful implementation of lean manufacturing enables the company to establish and maintain a healthy relationship with end users.
Competitive Advantage
Lean manufacturing does not only deal with reducing cost and improving efficiency, but it also introduces a new system and develops skills among employees. Such skills support a change in the workplace which creates new sales. Lean manufacturing benefits the organization in all aspects of manufacturing. Lean manufacturing saves space in the warehouse through which one can add new product line. Lean manufacturing enables employees to absorb new working conditions and react quickly to customer needs through just in time approach. Lean manufacturing is the source of competitive advantage as it allows organizations to produce quickly, without waste and deliver the product on time.
Lean Production Disadvantages
Work Force Frustration
Lean manufacturing strongly emphasizes on workforce efficiency. It would increase frustration among employees. The objective of lean manufacturing is to make the use of less manpower. In lean manufacturing organization place the entire burden of cutting cost on employees which are quite frustrating for employees.
Fear of change
Human psychology plays a significant role in the introduction and successful implementation of the particular strategy. Lean manufacturing brings change in a production system which can create fear and rejection among employees. In order to implement and to integrate Lean manufacturing system organizations are required to make a massive investment in training and education of employees which will take time as well.
Conclusion on Lean production advantages and disadvantages
Lean production advantages and disadvantages highlighted that lean production is an approach which focuses on elimination of waste from the production system. Lean production is an allocation of resources which can add value to end customer. It is evident from the above discussion that lean manufacturing reduces cost, saves time, increase productivity and overall efficiency of the organization. Lean production is a wonderful practice if it is implemented correctly. Balanced and reasonable operations of the lean strategy offer a range of benefits which can surpass the cons of the lean production system.