The Five Precursors to Lean

 

There are five major Precursors to implementing a Lean Initiative.  These Precursors are Foundational Issues that must be in place to make a Lean Initiative successful.  If they are not in place at the kick-off of the Lean Initiative, the initiative can still proceed; however, these Precursors must be recognized and then they must be built into the Lean Initiative Plan in the proper sequence.

 

1. High levels of stability and quality in both the product and the processes

 

   2. Excellent machine availability

 

   3. Talented problem solvers, with a deep understanding of variation

 

   4. Mature Continuous Improvement Philosophy

 

   5. Strong, proven techniques to Standardize

 

 

 

 

 

The Five Precursors to Lean – An Evaluation Matrix

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