NEWS.

What is Lean and how can it help my business? Jim Barr

Jim Barr

22nd Jan 2020

Lean in simple terms is a technique companies use to improve their processes and to reduce Non-Value Added activities and eradicate more importantly Wasteful ones.

When implemented successfully it can produce many benefits, especially for those running a small business. Working on a lean business model means making continuous improvements in a business operation, and the execution of processes which are guaranteed to optimise business efficiency.

There is a misconception that Lean is only suited for manufacturing sectors, but all businesses regardless of size or sector can tap into the benefits that Lean can offer.

It was in the 90’s when Supply Chain advisor, Jim Barr, first came across Lean whilst working for Fujitsu, a leading provider of IT products and services. Since then he has used it extensively over the last 15 years working as a consultant to engage and improve a wide variety of businesses from large to small.

Jim has applied Lean in sectors as diverse as; food, textiles, shipbuilding, microelectronics delivering over 500 project days from 5S to Value Stream Mapping and a host of other Lean improvement tools and techniques.

  • Benefits of Applying Lean:
  • Manage Team/Process Complexity
  • More Efficient Business Processes
  • Better Management of Changing Priorities
  • Better Project Visibility at the Team Level
  • Increased Team Productivity
  • Reduced Lead Time
  • Increased Team Morale
  • Improved Visibility to Stakeholders
  • Reduced Costs
  • Predictable Delivery of Customer Value

If you would like to learn more about applying Lean Techniques to your business, then join Jim on Tuesday 27th February where he delves into Lean and how it can improve your company. As well as improving staff engagement, motivation, and much more.

Book here >> 

Supply Chain North East brings together four key partners to work with over 800 businesses through to 2021, supporting them to identify opportunities in new and existing markets. An integral part of the North East Growth Hub, Supply Chain North East is delivered across the region by RTC North, Generator, North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA) and North East Process Industry Cluster (NEPIC).

Supply Chain North East is a multimillion programme aimed at revolutionising the way SMEs diversify their offering and embrace new markets. The programme has received more than £3m of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund, which is part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020.

Project information

Supply Chain North East is delivered by a partnership, made up of the North East Growth Hub, RTC North, NEPIC, NEAA and Generator. Between 2018 and 2021, the programme will help more than 800 businesses in the following sectors to realise their potential:

  • Advanced Manufacturing
  • Subsea, Offshore and Energy Technologies
  • Automotive and Transport
  • Health and Life Sciences
  • Digital, Tech and Creative
  • Process, Chemical and Pharmaceutical

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