According to a recent article in Industry Week, the basic principles of lean — waste reduction, customer centricity and flow optimization — are fairly simple in theory but when it comes to putting lean principles into practice, even the most well-intentioned manufacturers can run up against some roadblocks. That’s why many manufacturing firms begin their lean journey by seeking the counsel of a consultant … a lean guru.
The article makes a great point. A consultant brings more to the table than simply helping organizations conduct kaizen events or create value-stream maps. Hiring a consultant is an excellent way for management and leadership to signal a change within the company and to use the consulting event to define and formulate a revised purpose or a reason for being. This helps you get lean on the fast track, and considering that lean is a great fix for a down economy that can help you sense demand, source successfully, streamline services, and reduce inventory, which reduces waste and lowers cost, how can you go wrong? Especially when Consultants are Cheap.