When I...ahem...paused (if that's the word for a four-month gap) my blogging activities, we were talking about establishing pull systems.  I ended that post back in...January, was it?....by saying that you shouldn't even think of implementing pull systems until you have 5S, preventive maintenance, work standards, and quick change well in hand.

So, let's say you've done this.  What next?

You're value stream map should tell you what to do next.  Essentially, you're looking for the following opportunities:

1. Putting related operations together in cells...or, at least, closer together;
2. Moving quantities in smaller batches between steps in the process,
3. Keeping inventories of parts and components at the point of use,
4. Establishing formal "supermarkets" of parts and components between steps in the process to control flow and work in process
5. Replenishing parts, components, and raw materials more often rather than less
6. Reducing lead times, process times, and delays.

In our next post, we'll go into a bit more detail, using some simple illustrations.