Lean management is a method of sustaining competitive advantage based on the concept of continuous improvement, a long-term approach to work that deliberately strives to enhance efficiency and quality through modest, incremental improvements in operations.
The main goal of lean management is to provide value to customers by optimizing resources and establishing a streamlined process based on actual customer needs. It aims to eliminate wasting time, effort, or money by identifying each stage in a business process and then revising or removing those that do not provide value.
Lean management focuses on:
Since Lean Management is based on the Toyota Production System established in the late 1940s, lean management philosophy was rooted in the manufacturing process. However, since the last decade, we can see that many services companies such as KPJ Hospital, Malaysia Airports, and many more have started to deploy Lean Management in their processes. The methodology itself begin to evolve to serve the dynamic business environment.
Suppose we compare the recognition of its relative, Six Sigma. Typically, Six Sigma recognition focuses more on individual competency levels such as Yellow Belt, Green Belt and Black Belt. However, Lean Management certification is the method to recognize the organization instead since Lean Management is about shared success.
Achieving a Lean Management certification can pay enormous dividends for your business in improved efficiency, productivity and customer satisfaction.
But the benefits of Lean Management certification go far beyond your operations to every aspect of the business, including sales and marketing, strategic planning and employee engagement.
Below are some advantages of recognizing the companies with Lean Management certification.
In Malaysia, we have two certification options for recognizing the lean organization from two reputable entities.
SIRIM Berhad developed the Standard of Lean Management to achieve the objectives of:
This standard is part of the standard of lean management as listed below:
Manufacturing-based companies widely use this standard to recognize implementing lean management systems.
This certification program was developed by Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) to recognize the industry player in implementing lean management systems as the continuous improvement initiative.
The program requires the organization to train its personnel and implement lean projects as a part of continuous improvement activities. The program is participated actively by various industries, including manufacturing and non-manufacturing industries.
In conclusion, the value of lean management certification cannot be exceeded. For individuals, continuing aggressive and employable in a world with dwindling job chances is vital. As an employer, you will have to know that your production lines are run by professionals whose primary centre is quality.
Intact Prolink is a registered associate of SIRIM and Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) in providing lean management training and deployment.