Lean management is a consistent methodology used to identify value creation within a wider sequence of activities.

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It specifies how to set up and implement value-creating activities with the minimum waste, in the shortest time staff, and with the fewest errors. Implicit in lean thinking is the concept of continual improvement.

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Our approach to lean thinking is rooted in the works of Taichi Ohno, Shingeo Shingo and other contributors to the Toyota Production System (TPS).

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Over successive engagements, we have continually developed the lean approach to manufacturing, supply chain, retail/logistics and service organisations.

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Among the core services offered include:

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• Value stream mapping and waste reduction at source;

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• Inventory reduction by procurement analysis and just in time (JIT);

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• Work standardisation, including definition of takt times for different processes and functions;

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• Equipment right sizing and Continuous Improvement (kaizen);

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• Creation of single piece flow by load teams, instead of batch processing;

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• Key performance indicators for inventory, procurement and delivery.

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A specific service includes lean sales. This is a proprietary methodology for orientating sales and distribution organisations on the basis of lean thinking. This involves:

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• A detailed customer purchase and profitability analysis, including net profit per customer and purchasing behaviour (product mix, purchase frequency, order lead time, variability, etc.)

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• A detailed assessment of organisational capacity and sales operations, ranging from stock-picking to order-taking;

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• Development and testing of alternative sales and delivery methods and schedules.