because the slimmer product occupied a
smaller space (1344 units ➔ 1512 units/
container);
●●
Lower transportation costs;
●●
Acquiring lower cost metal components
from suppliers because the slimmer steel
●●
Components could be processed faster
and incurred less residual scrap.
As such Company A was able to offer better
price and improved value products for its
customers while continuing to enjoy profitability
until it changed its business structure in 2012.
Conclusion
Lean product design, which incorporates lean
principles to eradicate design waste and create
better value product for customers, is a noble
approach that not only strives to improve
business competitiveness but also supports
green technology initiatives by effectively utilizing
and conserving resources. It fits well with the lean
thinking adage – does more and more, using less
and less while becoming closer to what customer
wants. Therefore, pursuing lean product design is
worthwhile.
REFERENCE
Gupta, P. (2005). The Six Sigma Performance
Handbook, McGraw-Hill, New York, pp 421- 450.
Fiore, C. (2005). Accelerated Product
Development, Productivity Press, New York.
Iyer, S.S. (2000). Value Engineering, New Age
International (P) Ltd. Publisher, Delhi, pp 24.
Nicholas, J. M. (1998). Competitive Manufacturing
Management. McGraw-Hill Singapore
Oh, S.P. (2011). Lean Product Design Concept,
PhD thesis, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka
Otto, K. & Wood, K. (2001). Product Design –
Techniques in Reverse Engineering and New
Product Development, Prentice Hall, New Jersey.
Park, R.J. (1998). Value Engineering – A plan for
invention, St. Lucie Press.
Womack, J.P. & Jones, D.T. (1996). Lean Thinking
– Banish Waste and Create Wealth in Your
Organization, Simon & Schuster, London.
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