For most manufacturers, the effective utilization of assets is essential but often underappreciated. Part of the reason is because the people who utilize the equipment are not the same people who decide what to purchase.
Furthermore, the budgets are often distinct and therefore people fail to see the connection between how they operate and how they spend money on capital equipment.
In the context of lean manufacturing, equipment assets can be a great enabler, both strategically and to further your performance goals. The goal is to enable lean performance – not just to look lean with shiny new toys.
Jamie Flinchbaugh, author of "The Hitchhiker's Guide to Lean: Lessons from the Road," offers several tips to help ensure that your equipment strategy is aligned with this outcome.
For more, read "Three Rules for Equipment Excellence" in sister publication IndustryWeek.