Author: Surya Narayan

4 December 2024

Shojinka: Adapting Manpower for Efficiency and Demand Fluctuations

In the modern manufacturing landscape, customer demands and market dynamics shift rapidly. Businesses must respond with agility, ensuring operations meet production targets without incurring unnecessary costs. Shojinka, a lean manufacturing principle translating to “flexible manpower line,” provides a strategic framework for this adaptability. By focusing […]

Lean in the Age of Disruption: Building Agile and Resilient Manufacturing
by truenorthlean23@gmail.com
1 March 2025
The modern manufacturing landscape is a tempestuous sea of fluctuating demand, supply chain disruptions, and rapid technological advancements. In this environment, the traditional rigidities of mass production are proving increasingly inadequate. Lean manufacturing, however, offers a powerful framework for building agile and resilient operations, capable […]
The Global Manufacturing Shift: Why Industries Are Moving Away from China and the Rise of Southeast Asia
by Surya Narayan
29 January 2025
For decades, China has been the world’s factory, dominating global manufacturing due to its vast workforce, extensive infrastructure, and cost efficiencies. However, in recent years, a seismic shift has begun to reshape the global manufacturing landscape. More companies are diversifying their production away from China, […]
Top 10 Skills Needed for the Future of Work
by Surya Narayan
6 January 2025
In an era of rapid technological advancement and evolving work environments, the skills needed to thrive in the future workforce are constantly shifting. To stay competitive and adaptable, professionals must focus on cultivating key competencies that align with the demands of modern industries. Here are […]
Case Study: Lean Six Sigma Transformation at Bank of America
by Surya Narayan
24 December 2024
IntroductionBank of America embarked on its Continuous Improvement journey, leading to the successful deployment of Lean Six Sigma methodologies. This transformation was pivotal in enhancing operational efficiencies and driving customer satisfaction. Prior to this shift, the organization struggled with inefficiencies, error-prone processes, and low customer […]
20 Quotes to Inspire Lean Thinking and Manufacturing Excellence
by Surya Narayan
18 December 2024
At True North Lean, we believe that achieving excellence in manufacturing is about more than just cutting waste—it’s about aligning with the principles of lean thinking to create value at every step. Lean manufacturing emphasizes continuous improvement, efficient processes, and fostering innovation to sustain long-term […]
Lean Inventory Management: Insights from Tata Motors for Continuous Improvement
by Surya Narayan
9 December 2024
Effective inventory management is a critical component of lean manufacturing, enabling organizations to balance cost efficiency with operational effectiveness. Tata Motors, a leader in the automotive industry, exemplifies how lean principles can transform inventory practices, ensuring minimal waste and maximum productivity. This article highlights Tata […]
“Defining the Problem: The Cornerstone of Lean Manufacturing Excellence”
by Surya Narayan
8 December 2024
Steve Jobs once remarked, “If you define the problem correctly, you almost have the solution.” This philosophy, so central to his approach to innovation at Apple, resonates deeply with the principles of lean manufacturing. In a world where industries face mounting pressure to reduce waste, […]
Shojinka: Adapting Manpower for Efficiency and Demand Fluctuations
by Surya Narayan
4 December 2024
In the modern manufacturing landscape, customer demands and market dynamics shift rapidly. Businesses must respond with agility, ensuring operations meet production targets without incurring unnecessary costs. Shojinka, a lean manufacturing principle translating to “flexible manpower line,” provides a strategic framework for this adaptability. By focusing […]