“Out with the new, in with the old.” While the saying usually goes the other way around, when it comes to management practices, it’s often the tried-and-true methods that stand the test of time. More than 70 years ago, Toyota introduced the first step to what we now know as Lean Management. What started as the Toyota Production System (TPS), aimed at eliminating waste and optimizing efficiency, has now developed into the Lean Management system. Surpassing manufacturing, Lean principles have since found a place in industries like ICT (Information Communication and Technology). In today’s evolving digital world, the ICT sector is under constant pressure to innovate and deliver high-quality services efficiently.
A sure way how they can achieve this is through the adaptation of advanced Lean Management principles, a few key ones include:
· Just-in-Time (JIT) ensures the delivery of products precisely when they are needed aligning with customer needs, which in turn reduces backlog and storage costs by minimizing excess inventory.
· Value Stream Mapping (VSM) visualizes the software development lifecycle to identify inefficiencies, enabling quicker delivery times and reduced rework.
· Kanban Boards help manage work in progress, improving task flow and efficiency in software development, especially in agile environments.
· Kaizen (Continuous Improvement) promotes incremental improvements, enhancing coding practices, testing procedures, and customer support systems.
· 5S Methodology organizes digital workspaces to boost efficiency, maintain standards, and facilitate easier knowledge transfer.
· Root Cause Analysis (RCA) through tools like the 5 Whys or Fishbone Diagrams helps eliminate recurring problems in systems, improving uptime and reducing errors.
· Lean Six Sigma (LSS) combines waste reduction with quality control, optimizing software testing and ensuring high system reliability and customer satisfaction.
Adopting even one of these principles into a company’s management system can result in significant improvements in terms of operational cost reduction, productivity and customer satisfaction. Adopting all of them will inevitably lead to increased competitiveness even in an ever-evolving sector such as ICT. Advanced Lean Management = a proven strategy for improved workflows, sustainable growth and higher employee engagement in any sector.
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