Lean Manufacturing Kitting Initiative ...

DSCC's engine parts kitting initiative expected to cut lead time, cost ...

Mike Ward writes ...

... "the Army implemented a new service-wide initiative called lean manufacturing that is designed to streamline the production processes at its depots and arsenals. Lean manufacturing is the process of identifying and eliminating non-valued processes to reduce cost and increase productivity. As part of the initiative, Anniston Army Depot in Anniston, Ala., (ANAD) the Army's maintenance facility responsible for maintenance on heavy/light tracked combat vehicles, asked the Defense Logistics Agency to consider taking over the management and storage of all the piece parts that are required for reciprocating engine lines located at the depot. ANAD also wanted DLA to develop kits designed around its production lines and deliver such kits directly to the production lines on as needed basis. This concept would include acquisition of both DLA and non-DLA managed material contained in the kit, receiving and storing such material, kitting the material for each individual production cell, and moving the kits to the production lines. " ...