LEAN MANUFACTURING


TEAMWORK MAKES THE LEAN WORK!


While it is easy to define what a Lean enterprise is in relation to tools and systems, it is the intangibles like teamwork that truly supports the creation of a Lean Enterprise philosophy according to Timothy McLean, Managing Director at TXM Lean Solutions.


A


Lean enterprise refers to an organisation that embraces a management approach centred on delivering maximum value to


customers while systematically eliminating waste and unnecessary activities right across the enterprise. This methodology extends Lean thinking across all organisational functions— spanning innovation and development to operations and customer engagement— creating a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence throughout the business ecosystem. Any company, small or large, will consist of


a combination of many people in small groups working together. Each of these functions need to work collaboratively to ensure organisational outcomes are achieved. Teamwork needs to be a vital element of


any Lean implementation to make sure the small groups work effectively, and then with the ongoing maintenance and incremental improvements of each area. This is why TXM Lean Solutions will always offer many opportunities to develop teamwork into the new environment when tasked with implementing a Lean enterprise. From day one it is important to aim for a


cross functional team when analysing the value streams of the company. As the future state for a company is developed it is vital to include teams from the production cells and support areas in conversations about developments


38 • KENNEDY’S CONFECTION • MAY 2026


THE PEOPLE WORKING WITHIN THE ORGANISATION ARE THE ONES WHO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS ON A DAY DAY-TO-DAY BASIS TO GET THE PRODUCT OUT OF THE DOOR.


and evolving plans. The people working within the organisation are the ones who know what happens on a day day-to-day basis to get the product out of the door, so it’s important to understand their functions and include them in developing a future enterprise plans. During the trial and implementation


phase of these future states, it will be the team members that need to live with the outcomes. So, these teams need to be included in the implementation and also the review and improvement of any processes that have been put into place.


It is also important to clearly define some of


the roles within the team when implementing lean processes. The team needs to have a leader; someone who is happy conducting the morning stand-up meetings and also reporting to management status of the team. The leader needs to be backed up by second in charge to ensure continuity of processes. While it is often easier to define roles within


a team based on technical skill, the roles of the internal management of this team also needs to be clearly defined with expectations and measurable outcomes, all of which fit back into the bigger picture of goals of each team and of course across the organisation.


A competitive advantage As humans we all have a need to feel that we belong and participate within our communities even within a workplace. It will be the people in the organisation, and the teamwork that results from people working together, that can give an organisation a competitive edge. Rolling out new practices across a company when implementing a Lean enterprise requires a high level of focus on the team and the people – so make sure all the ‘people issues’ are included in the implementation plan and that this is constantly monitored as the new system is rolled out. Also remember that these will simply be the first steps for supporting teamwork within the organisation and it does need to be ongoing process.


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