FT Guide to Lean

9

Lean methods and tools (part VI)

Introduction

For the concept of flow to work well many of the core Lean methods such as standard work, visual management, quick changeover (hence inventory reduction), takt time and systematic problem solving need to be bedded down.

Flow incorporates much more than the physical mainstay flow of the product or service, although this is normally the primary target for streamlining. There are many other flows that need to be purposely designed so that they support and interact seamlessly with the primary physical flow of your product or service.

Flow in a hospital environment

In a hospital there are many flows that must interact successfully to ensure that a patient gets the best result. For instance the ...