Running Head: LEAN SYSTEMS 2

Introduction The concept of lean is derived from the foundational ideas that dates back as early as 1911. There are set of tools that involve interchangeable parts, assembly flow line and standard work that have been placed in an integrated manner that involves producing products and services at high speed while reducing on the cost and resources. (Rehder, 1994) The philosophy dates back to H. Ford and W.F.Taylor. The two had put in place a production system in the Highland Park Manufacturing plant. At this time only a single product was being manufactured and it never required any changeovers or setups. With the invention of other products and expansion in market changes, the system became unreliable because it was no longer flexible. The increased needs for varieties and shorter product cycle changed the manufacturing processes.