It is important to understand just what a waste walk is in the context of manufacturing. The purpose of a waste walk is to gather information about the work process, the work areas in which it is performed, and any instances of observed waste. Typically, the waste walk is conducted by experienced Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center lean practitioners during a one-day assessment, who can then offer a fresh perspective to manufacturers and illuminate opportunities for improvement.
FOCUSING ON WASTE FOR IMPROVED EFFICIENCY
Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center’s Waste Walk focuses on observing and identifying the eight wastes of manufacturing found in your facility. These wastes include: Defects, Overproduction, Waiting, Non-utilized Talent, Transportation, Inventory, Motion, and Extra Processing.
Typically, when observing a pre-lean manufacturing process, we find 95% of what's observed is non-value added time. Time, that if better utilized, could lead to a competitive advantage by getting finished product into the hands of customers sooner - and at a lower cost to you. For a shop in the midst of lean implementation, a waste walk can promote dialogue among employees and celebrate gains which have already been made. This collaboration is important in maintaining employee engagement and momentum in achieving the ideal future state.
As an initial step, a waste walk can open the eyes of employees to potential improvements. As an intermediate step, it can identify improvements and highlight future steps. And, as a final review, it can solidify your progress and help move your organization beyond process change and initial work cell organization into more comprehensive changes to encompass your entire organization.
Schedule a no cost, Waste Walk at your facility today. To schedule, please contact The Center at 888.414.6682 or click here.