The Newsletter of Lean Manufacturing Strategy
Lean Lot Sizing |
How to Optimize Lot Sizes for Kanban & Lean Manufacturing |
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Kansas City |
12 MAY 2015 |
Issue# 91 |
Lot sizing is often a mystery, a presumption, a tradition or a guess. Economic Lot Sizing (ELS), a technique from the early 1900's has been discredited. Slogans and catchwords such as "One Piece Flow" frequently make little sense on the factory floor. The debate (when there is a debate) is usually characterized by a dearth of data and abundance of opinion.
Too Small |
Too Large |
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Kanban systems and other Lean techniques work best with small lots. But how small is small? And how small is too small? Of course, SMED helps but what happens when setup time is not zero even after SMED? And how does Value Stream Mapping fit into this?
Our web pages on Lean Lot Sizing try to bring rationality to lot size decisions. They start with the old "Economic Lot Size" model that, even flawed, is the only quantitative tool available. It turns out, a high degree of quantitative accuracy is not important. Nor is it necessary to analyze every item in a large mix of products.
If you are designing a kanban system or just have concerns about lot sizes, start here to learn more. Or download the articles in a free pdf file.
We also offer training and consulting in Kanban, Lean Scheduling and related lean techniques. Please feel free to call me at the number below to explore the possibilities.
Best Regards,
Quarterman Lee
816-931-1414
