This program examines the lean manufacturing principles at an office furniture company called Miller SQA. Miller SQA has applied lean principles in a mass customization market to give their customers exactly the furniture they need when they need it. Continuous improvement is encouraged by presenting the benefits to all employees through "lean events" that allow different people from all parts of the company to examine the work area and make suggestions. In addition, a pull production control system maintains inventory levels at the assembly area so no more than 2 hours worth of parts are ever in the work cell ready to be assembled. One-piece-flow, cellular manufacturing, and strong visual controls are integrated into a sophisticated information technology system to help reach the company goal of 100% on time shipment of customer orders. |
