Ricoh and Lean Thinking

Paper Summary:

This paper considers lean thinking, an aspect of total quality management, as it has been experienced by Ricoh, the Japanese electronics maker. The paper reviews the basic elements of lean production, and outlines how Ricoh implemented the 5S's to eliminate waste and improve processes.

From the Paper:

"In their fascinating book, Lean Thinking: Banish Waste and Create Wealth in Your Corporation, authors James Womack and Daniel Jones describe a value-based model for business management that is built on streamlined production processes pioneered by the Japanese auto maker Toyota. Womack and Jones call their model "lean thinking" which has evolved into similar monikers such as lean production, lean enterprise, and lean manufacture. Whatever it is called, the model is in line with the greater movement toward Total Quality Management that is evident in many Japanese companies and U.S. companies. This brief paper will outline the basic principles of lean thinking and will consider the case study of Ricoh Electronics, the Japanese electronic components maker which has practiced lean processes for a number of years to become one of the leading companies in its industry. "

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