Initially, from Japan, the Lean approach focused on minimizing process waste without compromising outcomes. Shockingly, research from the Lean Enterprise Research Centre (LERC) highlights that 60% of activities in typical manufacturing are wasteful. While many industries have adopted Lean for production, few have extended its principles to their management and documentation systems. Yet, Lean can be instrumental in streamlining systems like ISO 9001, 14001, 45002, 13485, and others.
Lean ISO Management Systems help businesses:
- Improve their management system structure.
- Enhance document management flow.
- Decrease document numbers.
- Optimize procedure content.
- Enhance instruction quality.
- Amplify management system effectiveness.
- Cut documentation system maintenance costs.
Regarding Lean management and documentation, the focus lies on the quality of procedures and overall document process flow. The efficiency of a documentation system can often be measured by the ease and speed of retrieving required documents. Many systems suffer inefficiencies due to multiple documentation systems, scattered storage locations, and unclear process flow.
Adopting the PDCA (Plan, Do, Check, Adjust) methodology can be instrumental for robust ISO Quality Management. This involves planning a process flow that focuses on standardized documentation steps, implementing it, evaluating its effectiveness, and making necessary modifications for optimal results. Contact Lean ISO Management Systems today to learn more.
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