Here is a nice example of a Chicago-area company using lean to respond to the market, which is forcing prices downward. To keep profits up, they'll have to reduce costs and lean is obviously a great way to do that. They'll benefit more from focusing beyond cost, on quality and employee satisfaction.
“Taking a cue from one of its customers, UGN has been implementing the Toyota Production System at its factories.
Developed decades ago by the automaker, it aims to ferret out waste at every turn in the manufacturing process, from reducing the number of defective parts to how far a worker has to go to grab a particular tool. Many U.S. companies have adapted aspects of TPS in ‘lean' manufacturing initiatives.
‘We are trying to implement as many aspects of TPS as possible,' Anthony said.”
Mark Graban
Mark Graban is an internationally-recognized consultant, author, and professional speaker who has worked in healthcare, manufacturing, and startups. His latest book is Measures of Success: React Less, Lead Better, Improve More. He is author of the Shingo Award-winning books Lean Hospitals and Healthcare Kaizen, as well as The Executive Guide to Healthcare Kaizen. He also published the anthology Practicing Lean that benefits the Louise H. Batz Patient Safety Foundation, where Mark is a board member. Mark is also a Senior Advisor to the technology company KaiNexus.