ABSTRACT
Lean, as an all-encompassing business philosophy, is applicable in any environment. However, lean must understand the concepts well enough to know which application makes sense. Auto collision repair shops have their own approach and administrative functions require a deep understanding of Lean office techniques. Cellular manufacturing concepts can be applied in a multitude of industries including auto body repair, machine shops, some forms of job shops, and even in office environments. Cellular manufacturing works well when lean leaders have smaller products that allow they to physically make U- or S-shaped cells where operators can move from one station to another with ease; generally within a few feet of the next operation is ideal. Total Productive Maintenance is also a critical component of the success of any cellular manufacturing operation because, to maintain flow and uptime, equipment must be working at optimal levels with little downtime.
