Lean In The Office: Visual Management

Abstract

Global competition is rigorous between companies. Companies are forced to look for efficiency improvement opportunities in their operations. Lean production philosophy has been widely used manufacturing principle during last few decades. Too often lean implementation activities are concentrated to manufacturing operations, and office operations have been left for less attention. This thesis provides understanding onto how common lean methods and tools can be applied in the office environment. Lean organization requires effective lean management which ensures that processes are working effectively and as planned.

The theory part in this thesis consist of lean theory and concentrates especially onto visual elements of lean. Discussed topics are chosen to support thesis’ objectives and to support case study.

Empirical study is done for global manufacturing company. As a result, this master’s thesis creates visual management model for the case company purposes. Model consists of visual tools and different processes created for the model and tool usage. Theoretical discussion gives good idea of opportunities what lean principles enable for the office environment.