Toyota’s “lean manufacturing system” offers two concepts that have changed the way modern business operates

2015 was a great year for Toyota Motor Company. Camry was the best-selling car in America for the 13^th consecutive year, RAV4 and Highlander set a new one-year sales records, Corolla was the best-selling subcompact car, and Avalon was the best-selling car in the premium segment.

Toyota Motor company has a unique vehicle production system that has a single goal:

“the complete elimination of all waste”

Toyota’s unrelenting dedication to efficiency manifests itself further with these two concepts:

Jidoka: Lean Manufacturing Concept

Highlighting and visualizing problems

“Quality must be built-in during the manufacturing process!”

The complete elimination of waste on the production line facilitates the production of high quality products. Eliminating inconsistencies and requirements that don’t serve the over-reaching goals of the lean manufacturing system also contribute to waste elimination.

In the event that a defective part is produced or an piece of equipment malfunctions on the production line, employees stop production and fix the problem immediately.

Just-In-Time

Productivity improvement

Making only “what is needed, when it is needed, and in the amount needed!”

In order for this system to function properly and efficiently, all parts that are produced must meet quality standards through the Jidoka practice. Toyota vehicles are created as quickly as possible in the most efficient manner.

Making vehicles on-demand as quickly and efficiently as possible allows Toyota Motor Company to deliver a high quality product in a short amount of time while eliminating waste and delighting the customer.

Toyota’s unique perspective on manufacturing and efficiency is working well for both their customer base and the company. Sales were up as of December of 2015, with a 12.7% increase as compared to sales in December of 2013. Their best-ever sales month also marked the last month of their 25-year anniversary.