The application of lean manufacturing principles in a high mix low volume environment

This thesis studies the opportunities for the application of lean manufacturing tools in a high- mix, low-volume traditional manufacturing factory floor setting. Value stream mapping and associated analytical tools are used to explore the opportunities to streamline the flow of products on the floor with a focus on reducing inventory and improving quality. To complement the analysis, this thesis also examines the impact of improved floor employee involvement. It considers several aspects including the increased empowerment of the direct labor staff, stronger team participation, and a greater focus on solutions specifically tailored to area. Based on the results of the research, the recommendation is an increased focus on developing team skills and empowerment, specifically within the direct labor staff.

Department dc:contributor.department

Leaders for Manufacturing Program at MIT

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2005

Author dc:creator

• Dudley, Amber Nicole

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Donald Rosenfield and Daniel Frey.

• Mechanical Engineering.
• Sloan School of Management.
• Leaders for Manufacturing Program.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/34828

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/34828