Lean Manufacturing

What: Lean manufacturing techniques are used to eliminate waste that occurs in any organization as a normal consequence of doing business. Wastes Include: 1. Overproduction caused by inflexible or unreliable processes that cause organizations to produce goods before they are required. 2. Waiting caused by the inefficient layouts or an inability to match demand with output levels. 3. Unnecessary transportation transporting goods always increases costs and the risk of damage, but it does not necessarily provide value to the final customer. 4. Inappropriate process using overly complex processes when simpler, more efficient ones would do. 5. Unnecessary inventory caused by uncertainty with regard to quality levels, delivery lead times, and the like. 6. Unnecessary/excess motion caused by poorly designed processes. 7. Defects not only do defects create uncertainty in the process, they rob production capacity by creating products or services that require rework or must be scrapped. 8. Underutilization of employees the newest form of waste added to the list, which recognizes that too often companies do not fully utilize the skills and decision-making capabilities of their employees.

Where: Lean concepts are most commonly applied throughout the manufacturing process and is now expanding into distribution centers. Why: By focusing on solving the eight principles (listed above) it is becomes clear that KardexRemstars automated solutions can make huge strides in achieving new heights and levels in your lean initiatives. How does KardexRemstars automated solutions apply to these principles? 1. Overproduction The use of KardexRemstars systems provide increased value to a

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facilitys processes and are incredibly flexible allowing for changes for physical changes of the equipment and stored goods quickly and cost effectively. Waiting The nature of automated systems is to have the product waiting for the operator, not the operator waiting for the product. Batch picking, pick-to-light and inventory management software are just a few keys to eliminating any waiting time. Unnecessary/excess motion Items are brought to the operator at an ergonomic work height eliminating wasted walking, searching, reaching and bending time. Defects KardexRemstars solutions are designed for having the right product at the right time at the right place eliminating a major reason for defects. Likewise, the secure nature of the systems helps keep items free of damage, dust, dirt and loss. Underutilization of employees can be totally eliminated because orders are batch picked, equipment moves and q can be totally eliminated because orders are batch picked, equipment moves and queues and pre-positions for picking while the operator is making his previous pickstaying one step ahead. Integrated software and hardware with pick-to-light technology keeps operators moving at maximum speeds throughout their shift.