What is Autonomation

Lean has become a new mantra in today's manufacturing sector. In this millennium, companies are facing a challenge to be economically competitive in manufacturing. Many of them have realized that the old style of mass manufacturing is no longer successful. Hence, lean manufacturing is being embraced by the companies to simultaneously achieve a competitive edge and economic growth. Many studies have shown that lean organizations are capable of meeting customer's expectations consistently, at each step of the production systems. Lean manufacturing also implies efficient use of non-renewable resources in order to maintain a sustainable environment. To reach the full potential of an organization, lean must be embraced as a holistic business strategy. In this chapter, the history of lean innovation will be briefly discussed, followed by the principles of lean manufacturing and various tools in implementing lean practices. Examples of organizations that have experienced significant improvements once transformed to lean manufacturing will also be cited.