Backbone of the Lean Enterprise

The manufacturing enterprise pursuing lean will need a backbone of enabling processes. This has been a subject of interest among SME members, as demonstrated by the philosophy that produced the CASA/SME Manufacturing Enterprise Wheel. Members of the Supply Chain Council also provide ideas for adaptation to any company. Tomorrow's lean enterprises will have a solid structure for project implementation and will be experts at applying the correct lean tools to solve business problems. A checklist at the end of the paper provides a way to quickly assess an organization's readiness for lean implementation. Author: James B. Ayers, CGR Management Consultants, Playa del Rey, CA.