SPOTLIGHT ON MANUFACTURING:
The core idea behind a Lean enterprise is to maximize customer value while minimizing waste. As Cadet continues to progress on our Lean manufacturing journey, a new initiative this year is a training/project event known as MDI2 (managing for daily improvements). Unlike a Kaizen event, which is focused on specific improvement areas, MD12 is more of an ongoing process.
This Cadet project is focused on training employees who are both high performers and key influencers on the production floor. The goal is to get all employees involved in finding and eliminating waste in any form. There are at least 8 recognized types of waste in Lean, and the best opportunities to find and eliminate them typically lie with your own employees, who are the experts.
The group began the training with learning about Lean in general terms, progressing to one of the foundation principles of Lean 5S (workplace organization), and are now working on observing and capturing waste. They meet weekly and have assigned homework – which is not actually ‘home’ work but work done on the plant floor in their area of responsibility.
We are excited to improve Lean thinking at the next level, and look forward to seeing each participant’s growth and progress helping to reduce waste in our operation, and adding customer value.
