Lean Definition

Continuous Flow and Call Design

Continuous Flow and Call Design is the disadvantage of traditional batch production are the large amounts of work in progress, Large conveyance time for parts, large lead times, and large liability for defects, Small lot production removes the walls from batch production, and reduces work in progress, lead times, and conveyance. It can be impossible however to balance task durations for machine operations with this push system since one operator can spend a great deal of time waiting, and inventory can build up at a station. Within U-shaped layouts, employees are cross-functionally trained and move with changing cell layouts. This means that one person can control the work in progress. The close proximity of workers also enhances communication, makes quick defective part detection possible, and workload adjustments can be made for volume changes.