Comments on: Heijunka Leveling by Volume & Mix

By: Redge

Redge — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 21:34:25 +0000

This technique is also discussed in Toyota Kata. With respect to managing in process inventory, I have also learned that some companies have moved to “kitting” of parts in place of flow through racks once used for larger batch sizes.

Reducing set up time can be a challenge in some industries, however, in cases like stamping, great progress has been made to reduce change over times to mere minutes and in some cases seconds. The greater difficulty is raw materials that are received in bulk quantities (coils). Material change over becomes as much of an issue.

In the automotive industry, customers mandate participation in steel resale programs where a truck load of material must be procured for any given shipment. This seems to be contradictory to lean principles in the supply chain.

By: Pallet Racking

Pallet Racking — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 08:23:04 +0000

I found this article very helpful and informative one in managing an industry. So true that Heijunka aka leveling is considered as the core of every business in achieving stability for a lean production.

The case of Toyota is a situation that explains leveling in business. Leveling of production by volume or type or mix.

By: Keerthy

Keerthy — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 03:48:08 +0000

Good informative blog, In the beginning of the blog you had mentioned that you had been doing some research on Heijunka, am currently doing the same anything else you have found so far, especially regarding calculations and case studies would be of great help. Thanks in advance

By: psabilla

psabilla — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 13:10:04 +0000

@Karen,

Yes, thanks for calling me out — I will absolutely ask for permission.

By: Karen Wilhelm

Karen Wilhelm — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 11:04:15 +0000

As a member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, publisher of Manufacturing Engineering, I’m glad you found an article you liked so much. (Although you cited the source, it might have been better to obtain permission, though I’m inclined to stretch a point for blogs.) The SME publications are doing a great job with lean, and it would be a good idea to join so you get them all. I just got a special issue on lean that drew on some of the best writers and practitioners out there. Go to http://www.sme.org.