Technology and Lean, a Winning Combination
When Lean combines with technology, global companies can drive processes to successfully eliminate waste across their globally distributed enterprises. ST Muthuvelan, Principal Consultant, Lean Manufacturing Systems and Engineering, Infosys, believes that global companies must realize the potential of technology to deliver Lean improvements and innovate.
According to him, as Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) evolves, it will be easier for companies to adopt new PLM software with digital manufacturing capabilities. In an article published in Managingautomation.com, he cites the example of ergonomics testing in aerospace where companies apply Lean principles to design workstations even before they are operational. "These technologies allow you to completely build the plant floor or manufacturing plant down to the last detail," he says.
Muthuvelan adds that technology delivers transformational value when PLM implements Lean principles and is complemented by Manufacturing Execution Software (MES) that also adopts Lean principles. According to him, manufacturers can minimize wastage and address situations such as mura (uneven operations), muda (non value-added activities, or waste) and muri (overburdening workers) through MES and Lean concepts.
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Published with permission of Managingautomation.com
Author
S.T. Muthuvelan, Client Solutions Head - Product Lifecycle and Engineering Solutions, Infosys Limited
Muthuvelan has about 17 years of industrial experience across multiple verticals including heavy engineering, automotive and aerospace. He specializes in manufacturing systems design and optimization, digital manufacturing, global product development, lean engineering, lean manufacturing, and global engineering solutions. He can be reached at