Get the Skinny on LEAN Manufacturing!
Students gather suppliesCopyright 2020 Diane M. Walsh, University of Connecticut RET
Learn the basics of LEAN manufacturing! In this activity, students participate in a simple manufacturing process to identify and eliminate waste via collaboration and analyzing data to optimize the process. Students learn how to do small scale, rapid testing of change ideas and measurement to improve a process. The purpose of this activity is relatively simple: assemble a sticker face (in the style of Potato Head) as quickly as possible with all the right pieces in place and in the right position.
Industrial and systems engineers solve complex problems in the manufacturing process. They use processes like LEAN to ensure that a system is efficient and produces high-quality products. An industrial and systems engineer studies and looks to improve upon work measurement, methods and operations, ergonomics, and inventory. Engineers tackle work measurement usually via a time study to determine the capacity of a facility in terms of realistic works orders, delivery dates, and costs. Not only does a facility use this knowledge to determine its initial manpower, but also to propose alternative methods for production.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Explain LEAN methodology as applied to industrial and systems engineering.
- Create a simple LEAN manufacturing process by identifying and eliminating waste.
- Recognize the value of a collaborative process.