Market Trends Underscore Value of Lean

摘要

Successfully competing in the market still means having the high-quality products your market wants, when and where they want them. However, the new twist is competing globally for available material, while maintaining enough operational efficiency to price competitively and still make a profit. This calculus is further complicated by increased competition, changes in cost structure in traditionally low-cost labor markets such as China, and greater technological complexity. Lean manufacturing principles continue to be a leading tool in addressing those challenges. This month we look at some of these trends and ways Lean philosophy can help companies lower total cost and increase their flexibility in addressing market requirements.