Benchmarks
Lean Dynamics – Which Companies Use It?
Perhaps the most powerful argument for lean dynamics is that it’s benefits are both proven and measurable. The range of companies that have demonstrated its tangible, bottom-line results show its direct applicability to large corporations, government organizations, and even small businesses.
The concept of lean dynamics originated from a study of the success of corporation like Toyota, Southwest Airlines, and others who have demonstrated a record of sustaining excellence even amid serious crises–from September 11th and hurricane Katrina, to the unprecedented spike in energy and commodity prices.
While lean dynamics is particularly suited to helping large corporations or institutions overcome their substantial challenges to going lean, great benefit comes from understanding the success demonstrated by small companies. Because these firms are able to evolve much more quickly, they offer powerful lessons in how far going lean can take an organization. The Going Lean Fieldbook provides examples of several companies that have continued to profit and grow even during the recent economic crisis–despite the fact that they are the most vulnerable. And many go much further, applying their lean capabilities in a way that lets them identify and win new opportunities, competing head-to-head with low-cost Chinese firms–and winning!
Elements of lean dynamics were applied by the Defense Department in the SURGE program to obtain critical but hard to get spare parts needed for overhaul and repair of its tactical aircraft. And its underlying principles have been applied to other Defense projects as well, together offsetting the need for more than a billion dollars of inventory.
Read article about SURGE program >>
Lean dynamics is particularly powerful in that it was founded on the study of multiple corporations who consistently beat the odds and thrive while most in their industries struggle or fail. Thus, it is not a solution that fits only one industry or set of circumstances. Because it draws on a set of principles demonstrated by multiple organizations across different industries, lean dynamics principles are broadly applicable, overcoming traditional limitations associated with implementing lean techniques, and creating better results for a wide range of industries and institutions.