ABSTRACT
The purpose of this chapter is to address a number of items that haven’t been fully covered, but which can aid tremendously in enhancing a Progressive Kaizen effort and the full implementation of Lean Manufacturing.
Advancing the Role of Owner-Operator to “Lean Equipment Specialist” In Chapter 2 the need for the consideration of owner-operators was addressed. The topic is something I’ve never failed to cover in any of my previous writings because it can be one of the most helpful steps an operation can take in keeping its equipment and production processing running effectively, especially key production equipment. However, experience has taught if the role of the owner-operator is expanded to include an ongoing focus on good Lean Manufacturing principles as a daily function of the job, even further progress can be made. I’ve come to refer to this elevation of duties as the “Lean Equipment (LE) specialist.”
