The Impact of Lean on Consumer Product Manufacturers

Dedication to Lean requires a focus on change, the identification of areas of improvement across the enterprise and a commitment to monitor continuously. The real challenge to Lean, however, requires this first change, a shift in the culture. Consumer products manufacturers are early on in their Lean journey compared to companies across industry, with 56% less than a year to 3 years into it. By leveraging external expertise and taking small steps in their Lean programs, these manufacturers are setting their sights on reducing cost, driving down inventory, and sustaining a culture of Lean throughout the enterprise.

But success is being found by those Best in Class consumer products manufacturers that go the next step by tying their Lean objectives into business opportunities, and by measuring the impact of the Lean program. These companies are placing more emphasis on monitoring the metrics that are tied with success, including inventory and on-time delivery, to truly maximize the competitive advantage to be responsive to the customer.