Setting the Standard for Lean Manufacturing
Our priority is and always will be to produce the highest quality product for our customers, encompassing an innovative approach to manufacturing.
KES Group has adopted aspects of lean manufacturing, in response to increased demand and the requirement to become more efficient. When it comes to modular builds, this approach can help streamline production, reduce costs, waste and cycle time, and improve finish quality, resulting in greater customer satisfaction. The company implements Part Families allowing us to drastically reduce the range of parts produced. By doing this, KES Group can standardise production processes.
So, what is Lean Manufacturing?
Lean manufacturing is a process that aims to increase productivity and reduce waste in manufacturing. Waste is defined as anything that does not add value to the customer.
Waste in industry, whether it be from idle workers, poor processes, or unused materials, is detrimental to productivity. Lean manufacturing aims to eliminate waste and increase efficiency. The motives behind lean manufacturing vary, but its benefits include improved profitability, customer satisfaction, and employee morale.
Why did KES Group implement Lean Manufacturing?
Due to contracts awarded, KES group was required to employ more lean manufacturing methodologies to meet customer demand. This included a shift in how the company operates, inspiring workers and management towards a more cohesive and connected relationship to enhance the manufacturing of its products. As a result, the company has invested heavily and fully embraced the significant 5S tool alongside smart manufacturing principles.
What is the 5S tool?
5S is a lean manufacturing methodology used to organise the workplace, increasing efficiency.
The five S’s stand for:
- Sort
- Set in Order
- Shine
- Standardise
- Sustain
By developing standard operating procedures, we can shorten the production lead time and reduce the resources required for production while ensuring that each build holds the same high-quality standards. Optimising the factory floor and flow can also help reduce waste and improve efficiency. KES Group re-designed the factory floor by providing dedicated workstations for each trade, with specific tooling and safety equipment.
At KES Group, we are always looking at ways we can improve. We aim to develop an innovative approach to manufacturing by introducing the use of advanced automation in the form of robotic systems. This will transform our manufacturing processes and achieve automatic optimisation with full traceability. Faster procurement will maximise efficiency and product development, whilst ensuring a fully connected manufacturing facility.
