Chapter 17, Problem 10PA

Summary Introduction

Interpretation:The Japanese term Heijunkais to be explained w.r.t lean principles along with a company that has used this technique.

Concept Introduction:Heijunka is a Japanese term used by lean practitioners. This is one of the many ways of making lean more effective in the present situation of turbulent markets and varying demands of customers. It cannot be called a technique per se; it is only a sub process to be used judiciously and selectively.

The objective is to provide stability to operations through:

• Demand predictability;
• Flexibility-primarily of change overs and of the manufacturing systems.