In this post I will discuss the layout of the milk run as well as the space on the milk-run train, and other topics. It is a continuation of the previous post on the milk-run calculation. Let’s continue. Continue reading Milk Run Layout
Calculating the Material for Your Milk Run
After all the theory on how a milk run works, it is finally time to calculate the quantitative details of the milk run. Since this takes a bit longer, I have split the calculations into two separate posts. Well, here we go! Continue reading Calculating the Material for Your Milk Run
Milk Run Basics
In this second post on the topic of milk runs, I will look at the organizational issues around the milk run: what kind of transport can you use, and what should the source warehouse be like. I will also talk about optional extras like repacking or kitting. Let’s start. Continue reading Milk Run Basics
Introduction to Milk Runs
Milk runs are a popular concept for material delivery within a plant and even across multiple plants. It is very much based on the philosophy of pull, keeping inventories down, and making material supply easier.
However, it is only suitable for mass-produced goods, or more precisely for identical components and identical parts, even if they go into different product variants. Additionally it can also be used with kitting. This post starts a series on the topic of milk run with an introduction to the topic. Continue reading Introduction to Milk Runs
Just in Time at Hyundai Mobis in Korea
As part of the APMS Conference 2018, we visited the Hyundai Mobis Asan plant in South Korea. They are a good example of supplying parts just in time to the nearby Hyundai plant. The site also had some other nice features. Let me show you the details: Continue reading Just in Time at Hyundai Mobis in Korea
Toyota Kata
There is one word that currently takes the lean world by storm: kata, or more properly Toyota Kata, a method developed by Mike Rother. The idea behind it is not only a bunch of buzzwords (like all too often) but actually goes in the right direction. Overall, I like the concept, although the attention it gets sometimes feels overdone. Let me give you the gist of kata. Continue reading Toyota Kata
Happy 5th Birthday AllAboutLean.com
Wow, it is now five years already and 265 posts since I started this blog! I am amazed (a bit) that I managed to publish one blog post with at least 1,000 words every week. I am also among the top 400,000 websites in the United States and the world! Thanks to all for your interest in my work! Time to celebrate (again). Continue reading Happy 5th Birthday AllAboutLean.com
Calculating the Number of POLCA Cards
In my previous posts I explained how POLCA works and discussed the pros and cons of POLCA. In this post I will explain how to calculate the number of POLCA cards. While POLCA is overall a feasible method, I do have some critical comments on the method to calculate the number of POLCA cards. Continue reading Calculating the Number of POLCA Cards