Lean management is now the most widely used management approach worldwide. Originally developed in the Japanese automotive industry, particularly at Toyota, the concept of ‘lean’ stands for streamlined processes, clear structures, and the consistent avoidance of waste.
What began as a production system has long since evolved into a comprehensive approach. Lean combines methods, tools and an attitude that enable continuous improvement. This is precisely where its strength lies. It creates order, transparency and direction, and motivates people to actively shape work processes.
What does ‘lean management’ mean?
At its core, it pursues a clear goal: to identify and gradually eliminate non-value-adding activities. These are processes that consume time, materials or attention without providing any real benefit.
This concept extends far beyond manufacturing. Unnecessary loops, waiting times and unclear responsibilities also arise in administration. Lean management addresses precisely these issues, ensuring structured processes that simplify everyday work and strengthen competitiveness.
As processes are optimised, understanding of interrelationships grows, which is an important motivating factor for sustainable improvements.
Three building blocks of sustainable success
Efficient lean systems are based on the interaction of three levels:
- Lean Production: optimised manufacturing processes
- Lean Office: clearly structured administrative processes
- Lean Culture: corporate culture as a connecting element
The methodological basis is provided by lean production and lean office. Lean culture ensures that these methods are implemented permanently. Together, they have a greater impact.
An important principle applies here: lean principles are universally applicable. However, the selection of tools should be adapted to suit individual companies, departments and processes.
Lean management in everyday life: support from DURABLE
DURABLE has many years of experience in implementing lean management in production and administration. Its products are specifically designed to support efficient work processes and key lean methods in a practical way.
The focus is on visualisation, structure, and mobility. These elements help make information accessible quickly and processes transparent. A good example of this is shop floor management.
Shop floor management: clarity through visualisation
Shop floor management is one of the core principles of lean management. Its aim is to make information visible where work is carried out. Rather than focusing on complex administration, the emphasis is placed on clarity and structured communication.
DURABLE supports this approach with DURAFRAME® information frames, which can be used on magnetic or adhesive whiteboards. Content can be exchanged and updated quickly.
Daily updates help to identify deviations at an early stage. Problems can be addressed promptly, with clear responsibilities assigned. At the same time, transparency increases, which is an important basis for personal responsibility and cooperation.
Kaizen: Implementing improvements step by step
Kaizen is a key principle of lean management. The term means ‘change for the better’ and describes an attitude as well as a concrete approach.
In practice, Kaizen workshops are often used. These usually last between one and five days and focus on clearly defined areas of work.
Typical goals include:
- Better ergonomics
- Shorter throughput times
- More order
- Higher productivity
Once the desired target state has been achieved, standardisation takes place. The developed solutions can then be transferred to other areas. This results in continuous improvements with a noticeable effect.
The 5S method: creating order to motivate
The 5S method is an especially effective lean tool. It creates structure and clarity in both production and office environments.
The five steps build logically on each other:
- Sort: remove unnecessary items
- Set in order: Thoroughly clean workplaces
- Systematise: Define clear locations for all work equipment
- Standardise: Establish uniform rules
- Self-discipline: Ensure order is maintained in the long term
DURABLE offers various solutions for this, including:
- Labelling systems for shelves, containers and storage spaces
- Floor markings and floor marking windows
- Information frames for daily notices
Studies show that reducing search times alone can increase productivity by up to 20%. Structure therefore pays off directly.
FiFo: Making processes stable and traceable
FiFo – the ‘first in, first out’ principle – is a key lean method for controlling material and process flows. It ensures that the first processes started are also the first to be completed.
FiFo helps to:
- Avoid mix-ups
- Regulate stock levels
- Shorten throughput times
- Keep processes stable
The clear sequence increases process reliability and creates transparency.
Stay mobile: Lean thrives on movement
The smooth flow of materials and information is a defining feature of lean processes. Movement reduces downtime and promotes efficient working.
That’s why DURABLE relies on flexible solutions such as:
- Mobile workstations
- Trolleys for storage and meetings
- Tablet and PC holders for flexible access to information
Information and materials remain available where they are needed. This promotes efficiency, reduces travel time, and fosters an agile work culture.
Lean management in SMEs: simple to implement, fast to deliver results
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) benefit particularly strongly from the lean approach. Implementation is often quicker because the structures are manageable.
The advantages are evident and measurable from the outset:
- Rapid implementation of lean structures
- Low process complexity
- Kaizen workshops with short-term improvements
- FiFo reduces waiting times and storage problems
- Kanban cards for material and information flow
- Visualisation with DURAFRAME® elements
- Precise storage labelling saves search time
- Floor markings reduce distances
- Daily planning via flexible information points
- Mobile IT stations shorten walking distances
Actively using lean management
Lean management is not a short-term trend. This approach creates structure, transparency and efficiency in both production and administration.
With clear methods, the right tools and a focus on continuous improvement, a working environment is created that provides orientation and makes improvements visible. Lean management can be successfully implemented step by step, providing lasting benefits for the entire company.
Images: Durable
