Production Efficiency - Lean Production
Business: Cambridge International GCSE (2027 Exams), topic 4.1.5
Production Efficiency - Lean Production
Lean production techniques are geared towards reducing waste during production. Two methods are Kaizen and Cell.
Cell production
- Workers are grouped into multi-skilled teams within cells.
- Different teams are assigned to different aspects of the production process.
- A cells passes on completed products to the next cell in the production process.
- Efficiency may be improved because:
- Workers are more motivated (because they work within a team with extra responsibilities).
- Workers share expertise and skills.
- Example: A group of workers assembles one section of a bike before passing it on.
Kaizen
- The Japanese term kaizen means continuous improvement.
- The process focuses on workers continuously making small improvements for overall progress and productivity gains in a firm.
- Example: A car factory worker rearranges tools to save time
Test yourself on Production Efficiency - Lean Production
What does the Japanese term kaizen mean?
Features of Cell Production