Lean Systems Program

 
 
 

Production Leveling Heijunka

Course Dates: TBA
Location:
Lexington, KY
Click here to register

Achieving smooth and consistent operations can be challenging if internal operations are not properly matched to external demand. Unfortunately, most companies are not prepared to handle such fluctuations and as a result often plan for peak production by building high inventories to prevent operations from setting idle. Although this approach can have a smoothing effect on internal operations it is extremely costly. Toyota’s approach to matching internal operations to external demand is called Heijunka or more often referred to as production leveling. Production leveling is a technique that optimizes plant loading by changing how departments inside and outside manufacturing operate. Most courses that teach production leveling often emphasize minor aspects inside manufacturing rather than understanding the essential elements of production leveling that are often outside the walls of production and operations. The danger in this implementation strategy is that systems get installed yet they do not achieve the expected results.

The University of Kentucky Lean System’s Group is offering a 2-day course in production leveling so that participants can understand interdepartmental activities and functions that are essential for manufacturing to produce consistency. In this course, participants will learn Toyota’s techniques for “leveling” using the Katashiki process as well as “line-balancing” using yamazumi analysis. Participants will be expected to understand functions outside manufacturing that is required by Sales, Design and Production Engineering. Overall, students will be informed of how Toyota’s managerial systems operate that allow departments to cooperate when their department may be impacted negatively by adopting or attempting various production leveling strategies.

Other Topics Include:

  • Grasping the order situation inside companies
  • Distinguish production controls “leveling” technique compared to manufactures “work balancing” technique
  • Evaluate the role of design and production engineering in production leveling
  • Simulate poor and optimal production leveling production / service systems
  • Discuss departmental cooperation and joint agreements
  • Discuss incentives and reward systems in HR that are critical in achieving production leveling
  • Fees
    $1995.00

    Please Note

  • The registration fee covers the course and luncheons – lodging and other meals not included.
  • Every effort is made to ensure that the instructors listed present the programs. However in rare circumstances such as illness, a speaker with comparable qualifications may be substituted.
  • Unavoidable circumstances sometimes require a change in course location or dates. Should such a change affect a course for which you are registered, you will be contacted in a timely manner and every effort will be made to reschedule with as little inconvenience as possible.
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