The
Newsletter of Lean Manufacturing & Factory Science
24
December 2004
www.strategosinc.com
Motion
Economy & Lean Manufacturing
The
Principles of Motion Economy reduce waste at the workstation or micro-level. They make repetitive
tasks easier, more efficient and more effective. They also reduce cumulative trauma such as tendonitis and carpal tunnel
syndrome.
Ralph
M. Barnes first codified these principles in the 1930's and American
industry used them to great effect during World War II. After the war, Toyota incorporated
Motion Economy in its culture and Production System.
In its fascination with computers, American
industry pretty much forgot about Motion Economy during the 1960's. When Lean Manufacturing
was re-imported from Japan, Motion Economy was left
behind.
Our
new web page summarizes these Principles
of Motion Economy. At first glance they seem simple, self-evident and
merely common sense. But, if Motion Economy is common sense, common sense is
not very common.
The
Principles of Motion Economy are one of several key areas of knowledge
for
proper workstation design. Everyone who deals
with repetitive work should commit them to memory. Subsequent
issues of Lean Briefing will deal with other aspects of
workstation design such as Ergonomics, 5-S and
design procedures.
All
the best for the holidays from the Strategos
team.
Quarterman
Lee
You
may forward Lean Briefing to colleagues or use it in your publication.
Please do so in its entirety.
(c)2004 Strategos, Inc.
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