Video [7:45 min]: Lean Manufacturing

Graphic representation of the benefits of lean manufacturing by demonstrating this concept using a simulation of making paper airplanes.

Review the text found under Lean Manufacturing Trims the Fat in Section 10.6, and then watch the video. As you learned in the text, lean manufacturing streamlines production by eliminating steps known as non-value-added production processes that do not add benefits customers want.

So what steps were eliminated in the video demonstration which did not add value, and required more time and effort? What was the original time it took to make the five paper airplanes? What was the improved time using lean methods? By eliminating extra motion, wait time, transportation and inventory costs, how much actual time was saved? (Hint: take the original time and subtract the improved time from that). What was the percentage improvement mentioned from using lean methods? (Hint: view this at 6:03).

How might the principles that were exhibited in the video be applied to other industries or situations? Could you utilize any of these ideas in the way you approach learning in this class specifically, or your completing your college education in general?

Transcript