Page 327 - How To Implement Lean Manufacturing

Glossary

5 Whys A problem solving method which employs the technique to continue to ask “Why?”
to explore the cause and effect relationship, in an attempt to find the root cause. It requires a
great deal of experience and a strong knowledge base to do well.
5S A tool in the Lean Toolbox which focuses on workplace readiness. The 5 S’s stand for
Sort, Set to order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain.
Andon A warning device, normally a light, to signal an abnormality, it is a part of the system
of transparency.

Autonomation Ohno’s word for Jidoka. It literally means, automation with a human touch
designed to supply 100% inspection, sort and then initiate problem solving.
Availability The concept that production facilities are capable of producing when they are
scheduled to be producing, or when needed.

Balancing Synchronizing operations, generally making sure that each step has the same
process cycle times.
Balancing chart Normally a bar chart which shows process steps on the X- axis and cycle
times on the Y- axis.
Bottleneck Any activity or process step which limits production.
BRP Business Resource Planning, another version of MRPII.
Buffer stocks A type of inventory which is held to account for external demand variations.
Buffers An excess resource in the production system, usually designed to compensate for
some type of variation so demand can be met. There are three types of buffers: capacity, time,
and inventory.
Catchball A process used in Hoshin Kanri planning where the boss decides what to do, the
subordinate decides how to do it and an interchange is effected to make sure the goals and
the means to achieve the goals are understood and doable.
Cells A manufacturing equipment layout where people and machines are in close proximity
to reduce transportation and WIP inventories. Cells are designed to achieve one piece flow.
Cells, U & C shaped Cells’ layouts are normally in a U or C shape so the incoming raw
materials and outgoing products are near one another. It aids in materials and information
handling.

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