Changing Mindset and Culture with Kaizen in New Markets

As Japanese manufacturers expand into emerging markets, they meet challenges in transitioning their methodologies, culture, and workforce mindset into the new location. ...

... "The hardest part will be teaching the mindset and culture of kaizen, said Shouhei Kimura, a former factory manager who now heads Nissan's operations in India. Still, in recent months, the big Japanese automakers have announced a slew of new factories in the Middle East, South Asia and Latin America. " ...

Via Star-News: Emerging Markets

Honda Manufacturing Methods Upgraded

Honda plans new hybrid car for 2009 and will revamp manufacturing facilities with new methods. ...

... "At its mid-year news conference, Honda also outlined plans to introduce new manufacturing methods at several Japanese factories to boost efficiency and lower costs. Honda said it plans to invest about 158 billion yen to make the improvements at two domestic factories, one for engines and the other for cars. " ...

Via Yahoo! News: Honda hybrid

Lean MES Manufacturing Execution Software Makes Inventory Visible

Manuvis introduces software version that integrates real-time inventory visibility and production metrics in dynamic operational dashbboard. The data visualization supports value stream mapping, queue performance monitoring, and asset utilization. ...

... "Whereas most manufacturing execution systems (MES) and enterprise manufacturing intelligence (EMI) solutions focus on production machine output, few offer inventory visibility. Manuvis' FactoryMRI, built on lean manufacturing principles, offers superior analytical tools that simplify information exchange within an enterprise and provides a common way to help synchronize enterprise assets. These tools help eliminate waste and increase profits, whether uncovering process variations that cause quality defects, identifying sources of waste and helping find untapped capacity. And since data is obtained directly from production machines, total cost of ownership is reduced by eliminating the need for human data entry into PC's or operate bar code equipment. " ...

Via Manuvis: Real-Time Lean Manufacturing Capabilities

Lean Manufacturing Education Through Game

Play the Lean Manufacturing game on Friday, August 17. ...

... "The training combines interactive classroom presentation and discussion with a live, simulated factory application of Lean concepts. Bill Nicholson, a certified Lean trainer and MMEC Field Engineer, will teach the course. " ...

Via Montana State: Lean Manufacturing workshop offered in Kalispell August 17

Boeing Aircraft Lean Production System

Boeing starts manufacturing of key airplane components as it ramps up for aircraft assembly by mid-year. Lean techniques make up its repertoire of manufacturing improvements. ...

... "To create additional production capacity to build the 787 vertical fin, the Boeing factory implemented significant improvements, including a pulse moving line featuring right-sized tooling, determinant assembly and advanced technology drilling techniques. Lean manufacturing techniques are used to enhance the quality and efficiency of its production system. " ...

Via Aero-News Network: Boeing 787 Manufacturing