"Just-in-Time" Workforce to replace baby boomers?

This is an interesting article around the coming demographic shift in manufacturing, and the expected overall decrease in manufacturing workforce.

A “Just-in-Time” workforce is suggested as a possible solution to fill the void. There’s no direct correlation in the article, however it seems as though the suggestion is that the pool of employees for such a JIT system would be retired workers who still wish to be employed on a temporary basis. This would be more like pulling employees from inventory than having a true JIT system, but would certainly help to quickly fill a need.

The article also raises the lack of apprenticeship programs and a general negative bias towards manufacturing jobs as issues.

Combining these ideas might be the best option yet – develop skilled workers at a rate that will fill the need as the need arises.

About LeanBlog.org: Mark Graban is a consultant, author, and speaker in the “lean healthcare” methodology, focused on improving quality and patient safety, improving access, reducing costs, and fully engaging healthcare professionals. He is also the Chief Improvement Officer for KaiNexus.