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LEAN MANUFACTURING: BOTTOM UP COMMUNICATION IN MANAGEMENT DECISIONS
Abstract
One of the most recurring mistakes companies worldwide make, is that they place leadership too far away from the place where value-added work is done. In terms of lean manufacturing, this refers to the shop floor: Gemba, the place not only real value-added activities take place but also real solutions are developed for tangible problems. Currently in most organizations, top management often bases its decisions on data which is not anchored in production reality. By placing leadership in Gemba and replacing conference rooms and offices discussions, reactions and decisions will happen more rapidly and with a substantial quality increase. This paper aims to analyze the actual status of communication top down and bottom up within the automotive industry and to propose a lean solution in order to avoid waste through inefficient shop floor communication.
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