To put it simply, lean manufacturing espouses the 'no waste' philosophy in managing the workplace and production processes. It does not know any company size, whether it's a major corporation or a small group of five housewives with a cookie business.

Due to this objective, the lean manufacturing principles function as the guideline for companies wanting to get the best out of their organization. The lean manufacturing principles are taken as the outline for making a more productive working environment.

The key of lean manufacturing principles can be identified as:

1. Getting it right the first time with no defects

Identify and tackle the problems right at the source instead of wasting time during quality inspection at the end of production process. The key here is to reach the maximum efficiency by rectifying the identified problem right from the beginning before it becomes a major problem.

1. Non-value added elimination and optimizing all resources

Better use of the resources by eliminating any insignificant activities, people or departments. Identify their talent and capabilities. Then reassign them to other sector where the company can utilize and get the best out of their talent.

1. KAIZEN or Continuous Improvement.

The focus here is to continuously improve and keep raising the bar of performance and excellence in the business. Examine any possibilities of reducing costs, improving the quality and increasing the productivity. A better information sharing, streamlined operations and great teamwork is essential to keep KAIZEN live.

1. Customer -demand drives in a pull not push system.

Instead of pushing at the beginning of the production line, the products are driven by the demand from the customer. With this principles, the cost of inventory and wait times can be reduced and even eliminated where possible.

1. Flexibility and Adaptability

Always monitor the market and demand trend. The management should develop a practical business plan which can be flexibly adjustable to sudden increase in demand without compromise the quality of the end product.

1. Relationship

The final key of lean manufacturing principles is to extent these efficiencies and efforts to the supply chain and other business partnerships. Side by side, both, the supplier and the company will create an efficient system by building relationships that fit, work and last.

Of course, adopting lean manufacturing principles does not always mean a leaner, more productive organization. It still takes careful planning, method-mapping and a lot of discipline to succeed. If the company is not wary of the consequences of strategies that are haphazardly implemented, then these lean manufacturing principles will be in vain -- and total waste.

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