Research Association Expands Lean Training Toolkit

The Furniture Industry Research Association has announced the launch of the next phase of its Lean Training Toolkit, which includes four additional parts. Part 6, focusing on 'Set-up Reduction,' is now available for members.

As the tastes of the modern customer have become more diverse, the need for companies to reduce batch sizes has increased. It is therefore no longer good practice to produce ahead of constantly changing demand. Adopting the Lean Principle of Set-up Reduction can help companies manage this ever-changing demand and provide the following benefits:

• Increase machine availability (reduce non-productive time)
• More frequent set-ups, and improved process flexibility in line with customer demand
• Smaller production runs, reduced inventory costs (less stock to transport, monitor and store)
• Shorter lead time, improved response to the customer
• Reduce inventory and less cash held in stock in the warehouse - improve cash flow - competitive advantage

The remaining three parts of this Lean Manufacturing Training Toolkit will be released over the coming weeks and provide training in the following:

• Part 7 - Problem Solving
• Part 8 - Line Balancing
• Part 9 - Value Stream Mapping

The toolkit provides theoretical and practical training on this lean principle. It includes an agenda for planning a training course, a PowerPoint presentation with notes, and templates.

Members of The Research Association can access the Lean Manufacturing Training Toolkit' Set-up Reduction' here.

Non-members can purchase from the FIRA bookshop priced at £120.

previously released parts of the toolkit are available for members to access here