Chapter 4, Problem 4.12SE

Identify lean production characteristics (Learning Objective 4)

Indicate whether each of the following is characteristic of a lean production system or a traditional production system.

1. a. There is an emphasis on building in quality.
2. b. The final operation in the production sequence “pulls” parts from the preceding operation.
3. c. Employees do a variety of jobs, including maintenance and setups as well as operation of machines.
4. d. Suppliers make frequent deliveries of small quantities of raw materials.
5. e. Each employee is responsible for inspecting his or her own work.
6. f. Suppliers can access the company’s intranet.
7. g. Large stocks of finished goods protect against lost sales if customer demand is higher than expected.
8. h. The workflow is continuous to attempt to balance the rate of production with the rate of demand.
9. i. Setup times are long.
10. j. A workplace organization system called “5S” is frequently used to keep work spaces clean and organized.
11. k. The manufacturing cycle times are longer.
12. l. Management works with suppliers to ensure defect-free raw materials,
13. m. Products are produced in large batches.