How to cut waste using lean production

Waste is a costly factor, and one which when addressed can be hugely significant in terms of increasing profitability and saving on costs. By applying lean principles throughout your production line you will use fewer materials, less labour time, and require less costly space on the factory floor; in turn allowing you to make huge savings by cutting waste.

Problem areas within your production line may include waiting and down time, waste due to quality defects, and timely product run changeovers. Ensuring your coder is able to work at maximum efficiency can play a key role when implementing lean principles as this will affect the efficiency of the entire production line.

Time-based-management

Time-based management is a key part of lean production, and values involving employees as an essential way of reducing waste at every stage of the production process, resulting in continuous improvements and huge savings.

Using multi-skilled, flexible workforces who can do more than one job will require numerous members of staff to operate coders. Linx coders are easy to use with little or no training required, meaning staff can quickly learn to operate coders, in turn reducing time wastage. Time-based management methods such as this are a great way for companies to reduce waste.

Linx printers are easy to use with clear, intuitive interfaces to ensure that time is not wasted during product run switchovers. What's more, messages can be transferred via USB or saved - allowing for quick changeover, and even controlled by a central PC or smartphone. This time-effective way of working will keep your line moving for longer, resulting in increased productivity.

Total Quality Management (TQM)

As part of lean production your coder should match the Total Quality Management (TQM) quality assurance ideal where all workers have a responsibility for getting it 'right first time'. Linx coding technology requires minimal start up procedures and the first print is as good as the last. Codes are clear and reliable, and there is no need to leave machines switched on permanently, or to run them every day.

Linx coders are versatile and able to print onto a range of substrates reliably, from plastic to tin, glass or cardboard, meaning manufacturers can use one coder for several applications. Being able to rely on accurate coding every time is ideal for seamless switching between product runs - a key part of lean methods.

Improving production

Linx coders cut waste and improve production thanks to reliable coding which eliminates costly defects. Their ease of use avoids operation errors which can result in scrappage costs. As well as being easy to operate, and minimising labour cost as a result, Linx CIJ improve production processes by being able to code in any direction – even from underneath the product – which mean there is less manual handling required and time is saved during setup on the line.

Key considerations

When implementing lean principles it’s essential to consider your production line. How much time is wasted going through necessary processes such as startup and shutdown procedures? If operators are tempted to cut steps, what are the consequences in terms of printer reliability? With a Linx coder the length of procedures is saved, and operators don’t feel the need to cut corners - this in turn lowers the risk of operator error and reduces the level of waste due to code errors and defects. You should also consider the range of materials you need to code onto, is your current solution able to print reliably on a variety of substrates?