Human Side of Lean Manufacturing

Lean manufacturing is not a system dependent only on machinery. System is mainly focused on human resource of the organization. All the machinery are tools used to achieve the objective of lean manufacturing.

Many think a system like lean manufacturing is a demanding system and people are always under pressure to perform. Yes it is true that people should perform continuously to create a lean system. But if I am to work, I will prefer a lean environment. I will tell you why.

A big aspect of lean manufacturing is the involvement of workers in the process of decision making. Workers in a lean environment are empowered to suggest and take action against wastes. Workers will be happier when their ideas in operation. They are motivated by the nature of their jobs.

Typically lean manufacturing relies on work cell concepts in achieving its goals. Work cells are not just a set of equipment arranged in to a different layout. In a work cell people operate different to the way they would operate in a line assembly system. Workers are multi skilled and they can perform at least two or three operations. This makes the system flexible. From the worker point of view the job has a bigger scope and they have freedom. Who will want to continuously perform the same task over and over again, especially when plenty of machinery available for the tasks of that nature.

Organizational structure of a lean manufacturing environment is organic in nature. There is no big hierarchy in the chain of command. Every worker has a part to perform as a leader. They will make day to day decisions. They are very important to the system. No body will really like when someone above him telling what to do every time. People love to be treated as important.

Lean manufacturing is a collective effort. No functionality is important than the other. It doesnt matter where you work in the organization. You are a part of the very efficient lean system. People work at their best when they are appreciated for their results. Family like feeling across the organization can not be built with any other technique even by spending millions.

Maslow in his theory of motivation states the stages of motivation. People can not be motivated only with money. Lean manufacturing understands the importance of the human factor in success. People are loved to be appreciated. lean manufacturing techniques like Kaizen, Work cells, team building directly talk to the higher level motivational needs of people. Need for affiliation, self-esteem and self actualization are among them. A well organized and well disciplined workforce is essential to the success of lean manufacturing. With this kind of motivation it is not hard to create a family of workers who are loyal and disciplined.

Visit my blog to learn about lean manufacturing thinking, concepts and principles and find more information on lean manufacturing.

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