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Best in class companies use lean scheduling software
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02/07/2007
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So-called ‘best in class’ companies are reducing cost pressures by linking lean scheduling software to their ERP systems and real-time data from the shop floor, according to a study by analyst AberdeenGroup.
The organisation says it investigated companies in North America, Europe and Asia/Pacific in the automotive, aerospace, industrial equipment, metals, food, beverages, hi-tech and pharmaceutical sectors – with the objective of measuring achievable benefits from lean manufacturing.
It finds that key requirements for a company to be seen as ‘best in class’ were that decision-makers needed to know: current state of the production plan or schedule; current state of execution against the plan; current customer demand; and current status of WIP (work in progress).
The most important metrics used to measure benefits were: on-time delivery; throughput time improvement; reduction in manufacturing cycle time; improvement in scrap levels; and how quality levels are affected.
Aberdeen believes a new generation of lean professional is emerging – that o. the old ideas of IT-free lean implementations, using only manual systems, such as Kanban squares, have been superseded by a focus on specific KPIs, such as cost reduction.
It recommends:
1 Standardise lean scheduling and execution best practises across the organisation, based on the findings of a continuous improvement team.
2 Maintain the autonomy of decision makers by giving them the visibility to make effective decisions.
3 Adopt lean software applications and integrate with ERP.
4 Measure on-time delivery, WIP and scrap on a regular basis.
Says lean APS developer Preactor’s CEO Mike Novels: “It’s very positive to have an independent company with the reputation of AberdeenGroup confirm what we and our users have been saying for many years. Namely that Lean scheduling software that empowers the planner lies at the heart of achieving lower WIP, better on time delivery performance and higher efficiency.”
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Author
Brian Tinham
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