During times of uncertainty, collaboration with teams and other suppliers can be groundbreaking. With limited resources, organizations often focus on stability. However, collaboration is crucial to expanding and unlocking growth opportunities. Effective teamwork helps organizations adapt quickly, stay flexible, and thrive in a competitive market.

A study conducted by Stanford University reveals that collaborative teams are 50% more productive. This finding shows the importance of teamwork—a key part of Lean collaboration. The research also brings to light how Lean collaboration can build a culture. It creates an environment of transparency and open communication. This setting drives an efficient and resilient supply chain. Lean collaboration emphasizes the importance of breaking down departmental barriers that prevent teamwork.
The goal of the Lean method is to create a set of practices that encourage a more streamlined workplace. When used, Lean helps businesses reach their strategic goals. In this white paper, we will explore the origin of Lean. We will discuss the significance of the Five Principles of Lean and more.

Lean:
A way of thinking about creating value with fewer resources and less waste. And Lean is a practice consisting of continuous experimentation to achieve perfect value with zero waste.

THE HISTORY OF LEAN:

At first, the manufacturing industry applied Lean management. Toyota is often credited with being the originator of this approach. Many people still call it the Toyota Production System.

Five reasons why a lean operating system is a powerful force:

  1. Reduces inventory costs – The cost of inventory can be overwhelming. Lean improves inventory levels and cuts excess stock at every production stage. The Just-in-Time (JIT) inventory strategy is ideal for increasing cash flow. It also minimizes overproduction. This strategy encourages organizations to produce only what they need for current orders.
  2. Enhances quality – Improvement drives the Lean strategy. Regular assessments ensure consistent and quality processes. Standardized procedures cut errors and prevent variations in product integrity. If quality concerns arise, Lean practices find the root causes. Then they execute detailed corrective plans.
  3. Improves customer satisfaction – Relationships are the foundation of every business. Building and cultivating those relationships is as important as making high-quality products. Lean operating systems help ensure organizations are meeting their customers’ needs.
  4. Increases adaptability – A Lean supply chain is adaptive. It is beneficial for fluctuations in demand, market changes, and potential disruptions. Lean reduces risks by promoting an agile culture that strives for continuous improvement.
  5. Fosters collaboration – Open communication is crucial for supply chain success. Both between suppliers and internal teams. Lean encourages cross-functional teams and rejects working in silos. Collaboration encourages everyone to speak up across all departments.

HOW KEM KREST SOLVED A QUALITY CONCERN

The Kem Krest Lean system focuses on reducing waste and improving quality. The system requires a customer-centric approach. These principles were shown recently while addressing a recurring customer complaint.

One customer has experienced air leaks for the last 7 years. Here is how we fixed it:

  1. The Engineering and Quality teams from both parties worked together. They began an A3 investigation. This process documents continuous improvement and follows the problem analysis. They perform this process through a plan, do, check, and act cycle until solved.
  2. The Engineering and Quality teams used root cause analysis. This analysis found the core cause of the problem before trying to fix it. After these tests, they found the cause.
  3. The Engineering team changed the specifications of the part. The manufacturer evaluated the adjustments. The results were conclusive.

Ensuring quality at the source prevents problems from escalating and causing more waste. Years of effort did not solve the problem until experts worked together to find the cause. Both parties are better off after using Lean and our customer-first approaches. This success shows how Kem Krest can tackle future challenges as a team.

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During times of uncertainty, collaboration with teams and other suppliers can be groundbreaking. With limited resources, organizations often focus on stability. However, collaboration is crucial to expanding and unlocking growth opportunities. Effective teamwork helps organizations adapt quickly, stay flexible, and thrive in a competitive market.

A study conducted by Stanford University reveals that collaborative teams are 50% more productive. This finding shows the importance of teamwork—a key part of Lean collaboration. The research also brings to light how Lean collaboration can build a culture. It creates an environment of transparency and open communication. This setting drives an efficient and resilient supply chain. Lean collaboration emphasizes the importance of breaking down departmental barriers that prevent teamwork.
The goal of the Lean method is to create a set of practices that encourage a more streamlined workplace. When used, Lean helps businesses reach their strategic goals. In this white paper, we will explore the origin of Lean. We will discuss the significance of the Five Principles of Lean and more.

Lean:
A way of thinking about creating value with fewer resources and less waste. And Lean is a practice consisting of continuous experimentation to achieve perfect value with zero waste.

THE HISTORY OF LEAN:

At first, the manufacturing industry applied Lean management. Toyota is often credited with being the originator of this approach. Many people still call it the Toyota Production System.

Five reasons why a lean operating system is a powerful force:

  1. Reduces inventory costs – The cost of inventory can be overwhelming. Lean improves inventory levels and cuts excess stock at every production stage. The Just-in-Time (JIT) inventory strategy is ideal for increasing cash flow. It also minimizes overproduction. This strategy encourages organizations to produce only what they need for current orders.
  2. Enhances quality – Improvement drives the Lean strategy. Regular assessments ensure consistent and quality processes. Standardized procedures cut errors and prevent variations in product integrity. If quality concerns arise, Lean practices find the root causes. Then they execute detailed corrective plans.
  3. Improves customer satisfaction – Relationships are the foundation of every business. Building and cultivating those relationships is as important as making high-quality products. Lean operating systems help ensure organizations are meeting their customers’ needs.
  4. Increases adaptability – A Lean supply chain is adaptive. It is beneficial for fluctuations in demand, market changes, and potential disruptions. Lean reduces risks by promoting an agile culture that strives for continuous improvement.
  5. Fosters collaboration – Open communication is crucial for supply chain success. Both between suppliers and internal teams. Lean encourages cross-functional teams and rejects working in silos. Collaboration encourages everyone to speak up across all departments.

HOW KEM KREST SOLVED A QUALITY CONCERN

The Kem Krest Lean system focuses on reducing waste and improving quality. The system requires a customer-centric approach. These principles were shown recently while addressing a recurring customer complaint.

One customer has experienced air leaks for the last 7 years. Here is how we fixed it:

  1. The Engineering and Quality teams from both parties worked together. They began an A3 investigation. This process documents continuous improvement and follows the problem analysis. They perform this process through a plan, do, check, and act cycle until solved.
  2. The Engineering and Quality teams used root cause analysis. This analysis found the core cause of the problem before trying to fix it. After these tests, they found the cause.
  3. The Engineering team changed the specifications of the part. The manufacturer evaluated the adjustments. The results were conclusive.

Ensuring quality at the source prevents problems from escalating and causing more waste. Years of effort did not solve the problem until experts worked together to find the cause. Both parties are better off after using Lean and our customer-first approaches. This success shows how Kem Krest can tackle future challenges as a team.

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

ABOUT KEM KREST

Kem Krest, a certified minority business enterprise (MBE), is the nation’s leading provider of supply chain optimization solutions to automotive, powersports, and heavy-duty OEMs. Through our dedicated team members, lean operating system, and streamlined technology, Kem Krest ensures a resilient and uninterrupted supply chain for the programs we manage.

Through customized end to end solutions that address every facet of the supply chain—from inventory management, fulfillment, warehousing, kitting, packaging, logistics, and transportation management, Kem Krest enables companies to increase operational efficiency, deliver superior customer and employee experiences, focus on growth initiatives, and achieve cost savings.

Kem Krest partners with companies to virtualize their supply chains through a growing network of 12 facilities in the US and Canada, featuring 1.75M sq. ft. of warehouse space and 600+ full-time team members. For more information, please visit Kem Krest’s website at www.kemkrest.com.