Training software gives lead on practical lean manufacturing

John Baldwin, programme director of developer ukfirst, says that his Lean Interactive package strips out all the management jargon and focuses on the ‘teachpoints’ that will help manufacturers to make significant improvements. “It has been widely publicised that within the current market, manufacturers are unlikely to survive without adopting some elements of lean practice,” he says. “ukfirst believes that the only way to truly encourage change within a business is to ensure that the entire organisation lives and breathes lean.” Three so-called teachpoints are available in the package: Work and Waste, Workplace Organisation and Measures. Case study examples demonstrate the link between business theory and real improvements, and there are hands-on activities, assisted by video clips, sound bytes and presentations. Dr Sharon Williams, lecturer in lean healthcare at The University of Warwick, comments: “This is a well presented and a good training tool for all levels of staff within the organisation, depending on where they are in their journey.”