Importance of Flow in Lean Thinking : An Interactive Learning Resource

Abstract

This learning resource was created to help instructors teach lean management concepts in undergraduate or graduate programs in business, engineering, or workforce development schools. It offers a theoretical background and animated simulations to explain the importance of one-piece flow in lean manufacturing environments, in contrast to batch production. Different from the more simplistic animations, where only the production of 10 parts is simulated, this resource is enriched with scenarios that benchmark one-piece flow and batch flow in a more realistic situation, displaying the continuous production of large quantities. It also explains the concept of excess inventory hiding problems, which lean practitioners commonly see as a barrier hindering the establishment of a continuous improvement culture.