lean manufacturing tools

Lean manufacturing is a collection of practices and tools that companies use to improve their efficiency and profitability. It’s a continuous improvement practice meaning lean manufacturers will always be looking for ways to make their operations better.

In Lean manufacturing, tools are used as a way to standardize efforts. They also help manufacturers create and maintain consistency across their business operations by eliminating wasteful processes and implementing Lean principles where they’re needed most.

Lean tools can be highly effective in helping manufacturers cut costs, streamline operations, reduce downtime and improve quality control in a variety of ways.

Why Lean Manufacturing?

Lean manufacturing is a manufacturing method that focuses on reducing costs through the elimination of waste, which in turn results in improved profitability for manufacturers. The practice can be applied to any company across all industries.

Lean manufacturing saves you money in a number of ways. It eliminates the need for excess inventory, reduces the total time it takes to get products from suppliers to warehouses, removes unnecessary steps from manufacturing processes, and increases transparency by improving visibility into operations.

Learn all about Lean manufacturing practices here.

The Best Tools for Lean Manufacturers

1. OEE Systems

OEE stands for Overall Equipment Effectiveness, and it’s a Lean tool that uses data to help manufacturers understand what’s going on in their plant. The system enables manufacturers to monitor the performance of their equipment from one central location.

OEE systems provide real-time communication, performance monitoring, and reporting analyses to give you insight into what’s going on with your equipment.

2. Wireless Sensor Networks

Wireless sensor networks use technology to monitor equipment in real-time. They collect information about the performance of different types of equipment, allowing manufacturers to improve their processes.

Wireless sensor networks create a Lean manufacturing environment that enables manufacturers to continue Lean practices during plant downtimes or plant shutdowns.

3. Smart Andon Systems

The practice of just-in-time manufacturing involves producing products only when they’re needed. This concept relies on the manufacturing tool called an Andon, which encompases the idea that workers request assistance and let everyone in the factory know that there’s a problem with the production line.

Smart Andon systems create Lean manufacturing environments by automatically stopping the production line when problems are detected. Calling for help and getting resources to a line by increasing accountability will reduce downtime and increase productivity.  Tracking and acknowledging response times is a recommended part of a complete Andon system.  

4. Cloud-Based Manufacturing Software

Cloud-based software systems provide manufacturers with the Lean manufacturing tools they need to manage their operations from anywhere using any device.

Manufacturers can upload data to cloud-based systems, which creates Lean manufacturing environments that help them understand what’s happening with their operations at any time, from anywhere.

5. Visual Management Solutions

Visual management solutions provide immediate visual status on production output and display the current issues impacting production. One screen can show the whole picture of your production floor, allowing you to get a comprehensive view of your production processes.

Visual manufacturing tools allow manufacturers to quickly prioritize issues that need immediate attention.

Lean manufacturing tools allow your business to run efficiently without extra effort from you. VersaCall offers a wide variety of services to help your manufacturing business run smoothly.

Sign up for a free demo today!

versacall

At VersaCall we have an entire department working with customers to mold the technology that provides the best solution in their factory environment.

© Copyright 2025 Versacall. All rights reserved.

Versacal

Privacy Policy

Questions. If you have any questions or concerns about our privacy policy or terms and conditions, contact VersaCall Technologies Inc at 858-677-6766 or [email protected]. You may also contact us via mail at 9340 Hazard Way B3, San Diego CA 92123.

Scope. This privacy policy covers all VersaCall Technologies Inc business. It does not, however, apply to entities that VersaCall Technologies Inc does not own or control. By using or accessing VersaCall Technologies Inc, you agree to our privacy practices.

Information We Receive:

Information you provide to us:

Information About Yourself. When you contact VersaCall Technologies Inc you provide us with your name, address, phone number(s), email address.  We may retain your details.   

Access Device and Browser Information. When you contact VersaCall Technologies Inc from a computer, mobile phone, or other device, we may collect information from that device about your browser type, location, and IP address, as well as the pages you visit. 

How We Use Your Information.  The information we collect is used to provide a safe, efficient, and customized experience. Information is never shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing purposes.

To contact you. We may contact you with technical support announcements from time to time. You may opt out of all communications. 

How We Protect Information

Steps we take to keep your information secure. We keep your account information on a secured server behind a firewall. When you enter information, we encrypt that information. 


Other Terms and Conditions

Changes. We may change this Privacy Policy pursuant to applicable laws. Our current privacy policy applies to all information that we have about you. If we make changes to this Privacy Policy we will notify you by email. If the changes are material, we will provide you additional, prominent notice as appropriate under the circumstances.

Consent to Collection and Processing in the United States. By contacting VersaCall Technologies Inc, you consent to having your personal data transferred to and processed in the United States. By opting into SMS from a web form or other medium, you agree to receive SMS messages from VersaCall Technologies Inc.  Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply.  Message HELP for help. Reply STOP to any message to opt out.