Product Manufacturing Guide

You might not think of it as such, but manufacturing is a complex and intricate process. From sourcing materials to getting the product from the assembly line to the store shelf, several factors come into play in making sure that manufactured products reach their target audience efficiently and cost-effectively. If you’re thinking of launching your own manufacturing business or working with manufacturers to sell your products, it’s useful to have a basic understanding of the industry so you know what you’re getting into. The more you know about manufacturing, the better prepared you’ll be when working on new projects. To that end, we’ve compiled this list of helpful facts and pointers if you want to get started in the world of manufacturing.

What Are the Basics of Manufacturing?

The basic process of manufacturing involves creating a product from scratch, from the raw materials to the end product. There are many different types of manufacturing, depending on the product being made. The most common types of manufacturing are:

• Assembly – In assembly manufacturing, products such as computers or other electronics are put together from already-made components.
• Chemical – This type of manufacturing is used to create chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and other products that are made from chemical reactions.
• Extrusion – This form of manufacturing creates items like bags, tubes, or pipes using an extrusion process. – Injection Molding – Items such as food containers, toys, and other products are created using injection molding.
• Metal Processing – This form of manufacturing creates metal products such as cars, appliances, or other products that require metal to be worked.
• Packaging – This type of manufacturing creates products such as cardboard boxes or other items used for packaging and shipping.
• Plastic – This process creates plastic items such as toys or household items.
• Printing – This type of manufacturing creates items such as T-shirts or other garments.
• Textiles – This form of manufacturing creates items such as clothing, bedding, or other fabric items.

Identifying the Right Manufacturer for Your Product

The most important thing to do when you’re looking for a manufacturer is to make sure that you’re getting the best quality for the best price. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of finding a cheap manufacturer, only to realize that their products aren’t up to par. Before you start shopping around for manufacturers, it’s important to do your research and make a checklist of the qualities and characteristics that are important to you in a manufacturer. It may even make sense to create your manufacturing questionnaire to help you get organized. A few things to keep in mind when searching for a manufacturer include:

• Is the manufacturer ISO certified? ISO certification is a way of measuring the quality of a manufacturer’s production process. A certified manufacturer means that they are held to a higher standard and are more likely to produce high-quality products.
• What is their production capacity? Depending on the type of product you’re manufacturing, you may need a manufacturer that can handle high volumes of production.
• What is their history and reputation? The best way to find out about a manufacturer’s history is to talk to people who have used their services in the past.
• How much does the manufacturer charge to make your product? As we mentioned above, you’ll want to make sure that you’re getting a good deal on your products.

Where to Find Good Manufacturers

There are several ways to find manufacturers, including online directories, trade shows, and direct outreach to manufacturers.

• Online directories – Online directories can be a good place to start your search. They can help you find manufacturers that specialize in your product’s niche, as well as those that can handle higher-volume orders.
• Trade shows – Trade shows, such as the Consumer Electronics Show, are a great place to find manufacturers and suppliers. They’re also a great place to network with other people in the industry.
• Direct outreach – It’s also possible to reach out to manufacturers directly. Some manufacturers will have websites, where you can contact them directly to discuss your product and needs.
• Making your list – If you can’t find the right manufacturers on your own, the best thing to do is to make your list.

You can start by creating a spreadsheet that has the following information for each manufacturer on your list:

• Name and contact information – Make sure that you have the correct name and contact information for each manufacturer so that you can easily follow up with them.
• Key information about your product
• Next, add a few details about the product that you’d like them to manufacture. This includes the product’s size, materials, and other important characteristics.

Common Mistakes When Finding a Manufacturer

There are lots of ways that you can go about finding the right manufacturer for your product. However, there are also some mistakes that you can make when searching for a manufacturer that can derail your process before it even starts.

• Not doing your research – As we discussed above, it’s essential to do your research before reaching out to a manufacturer. Doing so will help you avoid the mistakes listed below.
• Not asking the right questions – It’s important to ask the right questions when reaching out to potential manufacturers. This includes asking if they are ISO certified, how long they’ve been in business, and what their production capacity is.
• Not being specific – It’s also important to be as specific as possible when providing information about your product. This will help you get accurate quotes and make it easier to find the right manufacturer for the job.
• Getting too excited – While it’s important to be excited when finding the right manufacturer for your product, it’s also important to be realistic. Don’t jump at the first manufacturer that offers you a deal. Instead, take your time and look for a manufacturer that will provide a high-quality product for a fair price.

Summary

There’s no doubt that manufacturing is a complex process. The good news is that being aware of the basics will help you navigate this process so that you can get your products from the drawing board to the store shelf in no time. Now that you have a better understanding of what manufacturing involves, you can start searching for the right manufacturers for your product. From finding the right manufacturers for your product to keeping your costs low, there are many reasons why it’s important to understand the basics of manufacturing.

Flexible manufacturing is an automated system that allows manufacturers to produce different goods at the same time. It optimizes production, streamlining the process and reducing waste. A flexible manufacturing system (FMS) has many processes in one place, which means that in one area of the factory, operators are just finishing making blue T-shirts while in another area they’re beginning to make red ones. That way, operators can switch from one type of clothing to another seamlessly and without wasting time or resources. A FMS also enables companies to meet customer demand more quickly without sacrificing quality. Keep reading for more information on how a FCMS can improve your business!

What is a Flexible Manufacturing System?

A flexible manufacturing system (FMS) is a production line that allows a company to produce different products at the same time. An automation computer system controls the process, which means that in one area of the factory, operators are just finishing making blue T-shirts while in another area they’re beginning to make red ones. That way, operators can switch from one type of clothing to another seamlessly and without wasting time or resources. And since each product is manufactured in smaller quantities, an FMS can also meet customer demand more quickly without sacrificing quality. The FMS was first introduced in the 1980s and has evolved significantly over the last three decades. Nowadays, the idea behind flexible manufacturing is to have all the equipment, workstations, and processes located in one place. That way, raw materials can move from one process to another without having to be transported to and from other parts of the factory.

Why Use a Flexible Manufacturing System?

Flexible manufacturing offers many benefits to businesses in various industries. For one thing, it helps manufacturers get products to market faster. Companies that use an FMS can save up to 50% on lead times because they don’t have to place large orders. When a customer places an order for a product, a manufacturer will first produce a run of 10 prototypes: Then, it will produce 10 more prototypes that are adjusted to fix any issues with the first set. There are many other tests to ensure that the product is up to quality standards. By using an FMS, a business can then produce smaller batches of the same product. And when a customer places an order, the order can be filled in a shorter amount of time. That means fewer issues with shipping and no need to store a large quantity of unsold products.

How Does a Flexible Manufacturing System Work?

There are three main steps that operators follow when using a FMS. They receive instructions, produce goods, and then store them. While the operator is working at each station, they’re also collecting information that’s crucial to the system’s operation. The computer monitors a variety of data points such as the operator’s speed, the temperature of the room, and an inventory of raw materials. Once the operator completes their work, they pass the data to the system. The computer then directs what material to send to the next workstation, and when to send it there. There aren’t fixed workstations for employees to stand at; instead, the system is designed to let employees move around and complete different tasks.

3 Ways that a FMS Can Benefit Your Business

A flexible manufacturing system has many benefits for businesses, especially when it comes to production. It can help you increase your productivity, cut down on costs, and even meet customer demand. Let’s have a look at three ways a FMS can benefit your business.

• Flexibility – An FMS can offer significant benefits in terms of flexibility, allowing you to respond to changes in demand much more quickly.
• Efficiency – A FMS can help improve efficiency, offering potential cost savings.
• Quality – A FMS can also help improve quality, ensuring that the products you produce meet your standards.

Summary

Overall, a flexible manufacturing system is an automated production line that allows manufacturers to produce different goods at the same time. An automation computer system controls the process, letting operators produce one product at a time and quickly switch from one to another. The system also collects data from each station that’s crucial to the system’s operation. A flexible manufacturing system offers many benefits to businesses in various industries. It can help you increase your productivity, cut down on costs, and even meet customer demand.

Lean manufacturing is an approach to streamlining operations by cutting out waste and reducing batch sizes. Lean principles are a set of best practices for eliminating waste and increasing efficiency. In this article, we’ll go over the basics of lean manufacturing, including its five principles. You’ll learn how to use these principles to streamline your work processes and eliminate unnecessary waste in your manufacturing processes. These tips can be applied regardless of the size of your business or scope of operations. Implementing lean principles will reduce costs, increase customer satisfaction, and make your team more efficient. Let’s dive into the details!

What is Lean Manufacturing?

Lean manufacturing is an approach to streamlining operations by cutting out waste and reducing batch sizes. Lean principles are a set of best practices for eliminating waste and increasing efficiency. In a nutshell, lean manufacturing is a way to increase efficiency by reducing the number of items or work in progress (WIP) in the supply chain. This is done by reducing batch sizes and removing waste from the supply chain. The lean model is based on the “make-to-order” principle, in which manufacturers produce goods only after they’ve been ordered. This contrasts with “make-to-stock”, where manufacturers produce goods in anticipation of future customer demand.

Lean Principles

There are five key principles of lean manufacturing. They are value stream mapping, waste reduction and elimination, pull, single piece flow, and just-in-time production. Let’s break them down in more detail.

• Value stream mapping – This is a visual representation of your entire supply chain. This includes the flow of goods and information from start to finish. You can use this to identify areas where you can cut out waste and create a more streamlined process.
• Waste reduction and elimination – Lean manufacturing is all about reducing batch sizes and cutting out waste. You’ll want to look at all of your operations and identify where you can remove waste. This can include materials, production steps, and anything else that you feel isn’t necessary.
• Pull – Pull is all about making things “just in time”. This means you only produce what is necessary when it’s necessary. This will help to reduce your batch sizes and make operations more efficient. You’ll want to work closely with suppliers to ensure you only request what you need. This will help eliminate inventories and make your operations more efficient.
• Single piece flow – This involves moving goods through a single production area and making them in a continuous flow. This is opposed to breaking up jobs into smaller batches and slowing down your operations.
• Just-in-time production – This goes hand in hand with the single-piece flow. It means that your operations can support the continuous production of one-piece flow. You’ll want to make adjustments to ensure that your operations are capable of producing at a high rate without disruption.

Continuous Flow Manufacturing

A continuous flow manufacturing process, also known as flow production, is a type of production method, where parts or products are made one at a time in a sequence that is determined by the rate at which the work is progressing. As opposed to batch production, where a batch is larger than one item, flow production means that the production is continuous as if the production is being pumped through the system. It is characterized by the fact that the production is non-stop and that the product is not allowed to accumulate anywhere in the production line. Continuous flow manufacturing is a type of production in which the production flow is continuous. This means that parts or products are produced at a steady rate, not in batches. It is also known as flow production or line production.

Kaizen and Repairs

Kaizen is the process of continuous improvement. You can apply kaizen to identify areas of your production where you can make improvements. You can also encourage employees to make repairs as they see fit. If a machine breaks down, for example, workers can make the necessary repairs instead of shutting down the entire production line. This will help to reduce your downtime and increase efficiency. You’ll want to keep track of the time and money saved through kaizen and repairs to track their ROI. This will help you justify making these improvements in future budgeting.

Summary

Lean manufacturing is a way to streamline operations by cutting out waste and reducing batch sizes. Lean manufacturing is based on five key principles: value stream mapping, waste reduction and elimination pull, single piece flow, and just-in-time production. A continuous flow manufacturing process is when parts or products are made one at a time in a sequence that is determined by the rate at which the work is progressing. This is opposed to batch production, where a batch is larger than one item. When applied correctly, lean manufacturing can reduce costs and increase customer satisfaction. It can be applied regardless of the size of your business or scope of operations.

Just-in-time manufacturing is an approach to production that focuses on reducing waste and maintaining a smooth workflow. This means that you only have the right amount of inventory at the right time, instead of having excess supplies sitting around waiting to be used. The Just-In-Time system has been around for decades and is now making a comeback with software and technology advancements in operations and supply chain integration. Companies are adopting Just-In-Time principles to help them cut costs, streamline processes, and increase efficiency. If you’ve been exploring new ways to implement more efficiency into your production processes or reduce costs, keep reading to learn more about how implementing a Just In Time system can help you achieve those goals.

What is Just In Time Manufacturing?

Just-in-time manufacturing (JIT) is an inventory management strategy that aims to reduce waste and cut down on costs. JIT is an idea that applies to more than just inventory management – it’s a philosophy that applies to all aspects of business and manufacturing. The gist of what JIT means is, that instead of having a few months’ worth of inventory on hand, waiting to be used, you only order what you need when you need it. JIT is used in a wide variety of industries, but it’s commonly used in the automotive, food, and pharmaceutical industries because of the strict regulations that must be adhered to.

The Benefits of Just-In-Time Manufacturing

The main benefit of a just-in-time manufacturing approach is that it cuts down on inventory costs. Of course, there are other benefits to implementing such a system into your operation. When you have the right amount of inventory in stock at the right time, you can avoid issues like production getting held up by a shortage in one of the necessary parts. This will also help you avoid the financial hit of carrying too much inventory because you’re not sure when you’ll be able to sell it. Another benefit of a just-in-time manufacturing approach is that it can help you avoid costly mistakes. If you have a large stockpile of raw materials, you increase the risk of making a mistake by mixing the wrong types of materials.

How is Just In Time Manufacturing Implemented?

There are a couple of ways you can go about implementing a just-in-time manufacturing approach. The first way is to look at your existing production levels and forecasting. If your production levels are constant and don’t change, you can use forecasted demand to determine how much inventory you need to order at a given time. If your production levels fluctuate or are not constant, you can use the just-in-time method of inventory management. The most important aspect of this method is to have smooth and streamlined processes that don’t have any bottlenecks. This means having the right amount of raw materials delivered to the production area at the right time. This is where technology and software integration comes into play.

Key Challenges of Just In Time Manufacturing

The biggest challenge of just-in-time manufacturing is that it requires a very smooth and streamlined workflow. Any kind of disruption, delay, or change in the production process can cause the system to go completely off-track. Because everything runs so smoothly, it’s easy to forget that there are other processes outside of your operation that also needs to be streamlined and efficient. This is where IT systems and software come into play again.

Summary

Just-in-time manufacturing is an approach to manufacturing that aims to reduce waste and cut down on costs by only ordering the amount of inventory you need when you need it. The just-in-time method of inventory management is designed for companies that have to fluctuate or constantly change production levels. The most important aspect of this method is to have smooth and streamlined processes that don’t have any bottlenecks. With advanced software and technology advancements, companies are adopting just-in-time principles to help them cut costs, streamline processes, and increase efficiency. If you’ve been exploring new ways to implement more efficiency into your production processes or reduce costs, keep reading to learn more about how implementing a just-in-time system can help you achieve those goals.

In the modern world, businesses can no longer survive by producing small batches of goods and selling them one at a time. In order to compete with competitors who produce goods in large quantities, businesses must learn how to effectively manage production in batches. Batch production is a method of producing goods in batches while maintaining quality standards and efficient workflow. This article explains how to implement batch production and the benefits of using this process. We will look at different types of batch production, examples of when you would use it, the advantages it offers over other methods, and ways to implement it within your business.

What is Batch Production?

Batch production is a manufacturing process in which you produce a large number of goods at once, rather than in small quantities. Batch production is often an integrated part of larger manufacturing operations that produce parts for other companies. Batch production typically takes place in a factory, where goods can be produced in high volumes and with high quality. Batch production is different from continuous production, where the product flows from one production station to the next without stopping. In batch production, a batch of goods is created and then moved as a batch from one process to the next. Batch production is often used to produce goods in large quantities. Batch production involves making a large quantity of a product at once, rather than small quantities of a product over a longer period. Batch production is often used in businesses that produce high volumes of a product regularly.

Types of Batch Production

There are five main types of batch production. They are:

• Staged production: In this type, the batches move from one workstation to the next. Each batch is transferred to the next workstation as it is completed.
• Cycle time production: This is a continuous production method in which the flow of materials is timed to complete the products and move on to the next batch as quickly as possible.
• Drum production: This is a batch production method in which the batches are physically put into a rotating drum and then drawn out of the drum and processed.
• Grouped production: In grouped production, batches are created based on the workstations that will process them.
• Transfer production: This type of batch production is a hybrid of staged production and cycle time production.

When to Use Batch Production

Batch production is used when producing large batches of a product in a short amount of time. This is in contrast to continuous production where batches are created over a long period and production is continuous. Batch production is often used for mass production for a variety of reasons. Batch production is most effective when a product is produced in high volumes. Some products that are best manufactured by batch production include: – Foods, such as oils and spices – Chemicals, such as dyes – Goods that need to be manufactured under consistent conditions, such as pharmaceuticals – Goods that have to be manufactured at specific times, such as car parts Batch production is also often used when equipment must be designed and built in a specific way to meet the demands of the product that is being manufactured.

Advantages of Batch Manufacturing

The main advantage of batch production is that it allows you to produce a large number of goods at once. This is particularly useful in situations where the demand for a product is high and the product cannot be manufactured in small batches. Batch production is also useful for manufacturing a product that has to be made in a specific way. Batch production allows you to produce goods consistently. This is because once you have perfected the process of making the product, it can be repeated over and over again without variation. Batch manufacturing is often used when a product needs to be made at specific times or in specific conditions. Batch production is also useful for products that are difficult to make in small batches, such as foods and chemicals.

Implementation Steps for Batch Production

There are several factors to consider when implementing batch production.

• The size of batches – The larger the batches, the cheaper they are to produce. You will have to balance the cost savings with the amount of time it takes to produce a batch.
• Time – You will have to consider how long it takes to produce each batch. This determines how often you can produce the batch.
• Workflow – How the product moves from station to station will determine how long the process takes. – Amount of resources needed – Batch production requires more resources than other methods of manufacturing.
• Equipment needed – Some products can be made with simple equipment while others require specialized equipment.
• Staffing – Batch production requires more staff than other methods of manufacturing.
• Quality control – Batch production requires more quality control than other methods of manufacturing.

Summary

Batch production is a manufacturing process in which you produce a large number of goods at once, rather than in small quantities. Batch production is often an integrated part of larger manufacturing operations that produce parts for other companies. Batch production is different from continuous production, where the product flows from one production station to the next without stopping. In batch production, a batch of goods is created and then moved as a batch from one process to the next. Batch production is often used to produce goods in large quantities. Batch production involves making a large quantity of a product at once, rather than small quantities of a product over a longer period. Batch production is often used in businesses that produce high volumes of a product regularly. There are five main types of batch production. They are: staged production, cycle time production, drum production, grouped production, and transfer production. Batch production is often used when a product is produced in high volumes. Some products that are best manufactured by batch production include foods, chemicals, and goods that need to be manufactured under consistent conditions.

There are many reasons to manufacture your product overseas. Perhaps you need a smaller quantity or require something unusual. Maybe you are sensitive to lead times or labor costs because of a low-volume niche market, or maybe you need to reduce shipping time and costs. In any case, there are good reasons and bad reasons to manufacture products overseas. If you’re considering manufacturing your goods overseas, it will help if you know the pros and cons of doing so. This section will give you insight into the benefits, drawbacks, and challenges of manufacturing products overseas so that you can make an informed decision about your business.

What Are the Benefits of Manufacturing Overseas?

If you manufacture overseas, you can save money on labor costs and raw materials. You may also save on duties and taxes if you manufacture your goods in a country that has a trade agreement with the United States. Additionally, you may be able to get a quicker turnaround on your product if you manufacture it overseas. There may be challenges with a shorter supply chain, but you can manage them by planning and being prepared to manage any issues that may arise. If you manufacture locally, you have more control over your product, but you pay more for labor and materials. Additionally, you may have to deal with longer lead times or have to find a contract manufacturer who can produce the goods quickly. As long as you research your options, make an informed decision, and manage your expectations, there are many benefits to manufacturing overseas.

The Drawbacks of Manufacturing Overseas

There are also drawbacks to manufacturing your goods overseas. Quality control can be an issue when you outsource your manufacturing. You also lose a certain amount of control over your brand or product, shipping times and costs might be longer, and you may be at your manufacturer’s mercy if you encounter issues with your order. One of the biggest challenges of manufacturing overseas is that you will have a harder time inspecting your goods for defects. You may also be at a disadvantage if there is a dispute about the terms of your contract. You may also lose skilled, high-wage jobs if you choose to offshore your manufacturing.

Things to Know Before Manufacturing Overseas

If you do choose to offshore your manufacturing, there are a few things you should know before you begin. First, decide which country you want to manufacture your goods in. Most manufacturing takes place in China, Vietnam, Taiwan, and Thailand. To narrow down your choices, take into consideration the product type, quantity, and complexity of your product. Second, research the best manufacturers in your desired country. You might be surprised at how many manufacturers exist in the countries where most manufacturing takes place. Third, create a detailed plan and timeline that outlines the process of how your product will be manufactured, transported, and arrive at your desired destination. You may want to even include how customs will process your goods and when you expect them to clear customs.

Should You Still Manufacture Your Product Overseas?

If you are considering manufacturing your goods overseas, it’s important to understand that the process is not as simple as sending an email or making a phone call. You will have to do research, network with people, and try to find the right manufacturer for your product. It’s important to understand what’s involved in the process, so you can make an informed decision about your business. Before you decide to manufacture your goods overseas, understand the risks that come with it. You can mitigate these risks by conducting thorough research, finding the right manufacturer, and setting clear expectations.

How to Find the Right Manufacturer Overseas

If you decide to manufacture overseas, you will need to find the right manufacturer. Finding the right manufacturer for your product doesn’t have to be an arduous process, but it does require some legwork. You can find potential manufacturers by doing the following:

• Look for manufacturers at trade shows: If you’re attending a trade show in your industry, make sure to look for manufacturers who are attending the show.
• Use online networks: If you’re attending a trade show where you don’t expect to meet a lot of manufacturers, use online networks like LinkedIn or Sales Navigator to find manufacturers in your desired country.
• Use online databases: There are online databases, such as Alibaba and Made in China, that list manufacturers in various countries.

Summary

The decision to manufacture your products overseas is a big one. It’s important to understand the benefits and drawbacks, as well as how to find the right manufacturer. Before you decide to manufacture your goods overseas, make sure you do your research, understand the risks involved, and are prepared to manage those risks if they arise. If you do your research and find the right manufacturer, you can manufacture your goods overseas and have them be just as great as if they were made in your home country. When you are prepared, you can make the most of the benefits of manufacturing overseas and mitigate the drawbacks that come with it.

The Toyota Production System (TPS) is one of the most well-known methods for improving production and reducing waste. It’s used to create a lean and continuous manufacturing process, which can respond quickly to changes in demand or new product updates. That being said, many businesses that implement the TPS still struggle with waste. Waste can take many forms, but it’s essentially anything that doesn’t directly add value to your final product. This section will help you understand what waste is in the context of the TPS, how you can recognize it within your business and examples of different types of waste. Let’s dive in…

Why You Should Care About TPS and Waste Reduction

Many companies implement the Toyota Production System to reduce waste, which can be an important factor in improving your company’s bottom line. If you’re not measuring waste in your production process, it can be difficult to understand what improvements need to be made. This can create a lot of stress for employees, who may not know how to improve their processes. However, waste reduction also provides many organizational benefits. Reducing waste can reduce lead times, improve delivery times, reduce defects and increase employee engagement. There’s also an environmental benefit; waste reduction can reduce the carbon footprint of your business.

What is waste?

Waste is anything that doesn’t directly add value to your final product. In the context of the Toyota Production System, anything that unnecessarily uses time, space or energy is wasted. This includes things like defects, overstaffing and excessive inventory. Waste not only makes your products less efficient, but it also causes frustration and hurts your customers. To reduce waste, you need a good understanding of your processes. This includes planning, design, purchasing and production. Once you have this information, you can identify areas where waste is occurring. Reducing waste will help you improve your bottom line, make your customers happier and create a better work environment for your employees.

Different types of waste in the Toyota Production System

There are two main types of waste that you need to be aware of when analyzing your production process. These are unavoidable waste and avoidable waste. Unavoidable waste is something that cannot be removed from the production process, such as the time it takes to change equipment. Avoidable waste is something that can be removed from the process, such as defects and over-production. Here are the different types of waste you may encounter.

• Inventory – Inventory is the amount of time it takes to go through your production process and the amount of inventory you have on hand at any given time. Reducing inventory can help you reduce your costs, improve customer satisfaction and increase profits.
• Motion – This is the time that employees spend walking around, changing equipment or doing anything that doesn’t directly relate to the production process.
• Waiting – This is any time that is spent waiting on resources, such as materials or other departments to complete their processes.
• Transportation – This is any time that materials or finished goods are being transported.
• Overproduction – This is when more units of a product are produced than customers need.
• Defects – This is when a product doesn’t meet specifications or is not usable.

The Seven Practices of the Toyota Production System

Seven main practices can help you reduce waste in your production process. These are the four S’s, the Five Whys and the two-part process. Let’s dive into each one of these practices in more detail.

• Standardization – This is about getting as much information about the production process out of the engineers and into the hands of the operators. It’s also important to standardize your tools and equipment so that you can use the same things in different areas of your factory.
• Simplification – Simplify your product, reduce the amount of time it takes to produce your product and simplify your production process.
• Sustaining – Make sure your machines are working properly, your suppliers are reliable and your employees have the resources they need to do their jobs well.
• Standardized work – Ensure that your employees follow the same process each time they perform a task.
• Seeking continuous improvement – The moment you become complacent and stop looking for ways to improve your production process, you’re setting yourself up for failure.
• Two-part work – Make it clear what needs to be done and what is expected to be completed by the end of the day.

Summary

The Toyota Production System is a tried-and-true method for reducing waste in your production process. To do this, you must first understand what each type of waste is and how it influences your production. Once you’ve identified the waste, you can start implementing solutions to reduce it.