(Buker Inc.: Antioch, IL) --The Lean Manufacturing Assessment, a new booklet produced by Buker Inc., offers manufacturing companies the opportunity to benchmark themselves in their lean efforts against the “best in class” lean manufacturing standards. The Lean Manufacturing Assessment focuses on 14 areas for companies to benchmark their lean manufacturing practices. These are:

1. Cultural awareness
2. Structured flow manufacturing
3. Small lot production
4. Housekeeping and workplace organization
5. Total quality focus
6. Preventive maintenance
7. Pull systems
8. Employee involvement
9. Control through visibility
10. Setup reduction
11. Fitness for use
12. Level load and balanced flow
13. Lean purchasing
14. Education and training

“The Lean Manufacturing Assessment is not just for companies advanced in their lean manufacturing journey,” says Michael Tincher, president of Buker Inc. “It can also be used for companies wanting to start their lean manufacturing efforts by pointing out or identifying where to start their efforts.”

 …