Lean Enterprise
The concept of the Lean Enterprise was developed in the car industry, where it became known as Lean Manufacturing (a term invented not by its originators at Toyota, but by Western analysts trying to understand and replicate Toyota's impressive performance). It is not always appreciated that the philosophy of Lean is universally applicable.
Lean not simply a collection of tools - 5S, Six-sigma, Kanban etc. The tools are important, but they do not define Lean.
Lean is an alternative approach to business, which rejects the traditional inward-looking, process-centric philosophy of management in favour of an outward-looking, customer-centric philosophy. Activities are assessed in terms of value-added to the customer. Activities not adding value are viewed as waste to be eliminated.
Adopting Lean is not a tactical process improvement programme, it is a strategic change in the way a company does business.
Sherpa will help you to understand the principles behind lean, to explore your value-chain and to focus on the flow of product or service to your customer. We will guide you on your journey, and will teach you the techniques you need along the way.