Keeping your operational expenses under control, while also remaining efficient and meeting customer demand can be a challenge – one that can catch out many new business owners.
This is why running your enterprise using a lean manufacturing business model is such a good idea. By keeping operations, stock and processes to a minimum, you reduce your outgoings, speed up efficiency and improve your cash position.
But how does the lean model work?
5 Core Elements of a Lean Business Model
In essence, a lean manufacturing business model aims to eliminate waste in your operational and product manufacturing processes, while still allowing you to meet your customers’ needs.
Originally a methodology that came from the Toyota Motor Company in the 20th century, the aim of lean manufacturing is to cut back the processes to the bare minimum. This helps you streamline the production of goods, cut your operational expenses and still meet the demands of your customers – running the whole organisation in a lean, efficient and profitable manner.
Some core elements of a lean model include:
- Cost efficiency – cutting waste is central to the lean methodology. Applying lean allows you to reduce waste in the manufacturing process and minimise any unnecessary spending. This allows you to optimise your resources and allocate funds strategically.
- Increased agility – with a lean approach in place, it’s far easier for the business to be both agile and flexible. This makes it easier to respond quickly to market changes, customer needs and emerging opportunities you spot in your sector.
- Enhanced customer focus – promoting value is another core element of lean. By eliminating non value added activities, you can prioritise customer satisfaction and deliver tailored products or services that meet your customers’ exact needs.
- Streamlined processes – lean methodologies streamline your workflows, reduce bottlenecks and enhance your overall operational efficiency. This all leads to improved productivity and shorter lead times, helping you quickly deliver your product to market.
- Sustainable growth – running a lean business model promotes long term sustainability. There’s a continuous focus on improvement, adaptability and financial stability, all of which helps to make you exceptionally competitive and ready to grow at pace.
Talk to us About Implementing a Lean Strategy
If you want to turn your manufacturing business into a cost-effective, scalable enterprise, moving to a lean business is a big step in the right direction.
Talk to us about your current production and operational strategies. Let’s see how switching to a lean methodology will set you on the path to a more efficient and profitable future.
Contact our Business Advisers on 0161 761 5231 or email theteam@horsfield-smith.co.uk.
