The
Newsletter of Lean Manufacturing & Factory Science
9
June
2004
www.strategosinc.com
Inventory,
Variability & Little's Law
How
Variability Corrupts The Process
Variability
is a devil that corrupts a process and
creates waste. It produces defects and
complicates material flow. It confuses, unbalances, hinders and panics
nearly everyone. Variability also causes the strange
relationship between capacity,
inventory
and delivery
discussed previously.
Almost
every element of Lean
Manufacturing
either reduces
variability and/or enhances
the ability to cope with it.
Statistical Process Control (SPC) is the most obvious example, but there
are many others on our new page, "Variability
& Lean Manufacturing." This page gives another perspective on
a complex subject.
Variability
and related issues are important in a well-thought-out Lean Manufacturing
Strategy. They require considerable reflection at
the highest levels. Our page on "Strategic
Implications" discusses some salient pints.
Inventory,
capacity, variability and strategy are also part of our online/onsite
seminar, "Strategic
Scheduling." This unique program helps managers think about
scheduling as it relates to finance, marketing and other strategic
elements.
I
hope these new additions bring new insights and understanding. Writing
them has certainly helped clarify my thinking on these issues. As a
result, I have expanded my previous article that is available as a free
download.
All
The Best,
Quarterman
Lee
Please
feel free to forward this Lean Briefing to colleagues or use it in
your publication. We only ask that you do so in its entirety. Copyright
2003 Strategos, Inc. |
