Date of Defense

4-17-2006

Department

Management

First Advisor

Bret Wagner, Management

Second Advisor

Steve Tobias, Kellogg Company

Keywords

Toyota, TPS, TPDS

Abstract

In 2006, manufacturers are forced more than ever before to maximize profits and cut costs. Following in the footsteps of Toyota, manufacturers around the world are going lean. The APICS dictionary defines lean manufacturing as, "A philosophy of production that emphasizes the minimization of the amount of all the resources (including time) used in the various activities of enterprise." Thus, 'lean' thinking focuses on eliminating wasteful steps in any process while still achieving the affirmed goal (Rich 155). Lean manufacturing involves identifying and eliminating non-value-adding activities in design, production, supply chain management, and dealing with customers. Producers employ teams of multi-skilled workers at all levels of the organization and use highly flexible, increasingly automated machines to produce volumes of products in enormous variety. Furthermore, it contains a set of principles and practices to reduce costs through the relentless removal of waste and the simplification of all manufacturing and support processes (APICS). This paper explores the Lean Manufacturing process.

Access Setting

Honors Thesis-Campus Only

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