Lean Manufacturing and Process Improvement

Question 1

within the context of Lean Manufacturing define and describe the significance of the 3M’s.
Muda
Muri
Mura

Answer 1

• Muda – Non-Value Added.” This includes the eight wastes – waiting, overproduction, unnecessary transport or conveyance, over processing or incorrect processing, excess inventory, unnecessary movement, defects and unused employee creativity.
• Muri – Overburdening of People or Equipment. “This is pushing a person or machine beyond their normal limits. This can result in safety and quality problems, breakdowns and defects.”
• Mura – Unevenness. “Unevenness results from an irregular production schedule or fluctuating production volumes.” “Muda is a result of Mura.” “Unevenness in production means it is necessary to have equipment, materials and people for the highest level of production, even if the average requirements are much lower.”
• The aim of lean is to eliminate the 3 M’s Muda, Muri, Mura. “By stabilizing the system and creating “evenness” a true balanced lean flow of work can result.”