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Chapter 15<br />

Lean synchronization<br />

Key questions<br />

➤ What is lean synchronization?<br />

➤ How does lean synchronization<br />

eliminate waste?<br />

➤ How does lean synchronization<br />

apply throughout the supply<br />

network?<br />

➤ How does lean synchronization<br />

compare with other approaches?<br />

Introduction<br />

This chapter examines an approach that we call ‘lean<br />

synchronization’ or just ‘lean’. It was originally called ‘just-in-time’<br />

(JIT) when it started to be adopted outside its birthplace, Japan.<br />

It is both a philosophy and a method of operations planning<br />

and control. Lean synchronization aims to meet demand<br />

instantaneously, with perfect quality and no waste. This involves<br />

supplying products and services in perfect synchronization with<br />

the demand for them. These principles were once a radical<br />

departure from traditional operations practice, but have now<br />

become orthodox in promoting the synchronization of flow<br />

through processes, operations and supply networks. Although<br />

we will focus on planning and control issues, in practice the ‘lean’<br />

concept has much wider implications for improving operations<br />

performance. Figure 15.1 places lean synchronization in the<br />

overall model of operations management.<br />

Figure 15.1 This chapter covers lean synchronization<br />

Check and improve your understanding of this chapter using self assessment<br />

questions and a personalised study plan, audio and video downloads, and an<br />

eBook – all at www.myomlab.com.

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