What are the three elements of standard work in lean production?

What are the three elements of standard work in lean production?

• A. Takt Time, Work Sequence, and In Process Stock
• B. Takt Time, Cycle Time and Lead Time
• C. Cycle Time, Inventory and Wastes
• D. Work Sequence, Production Targets and Inventory

Answer: (A)

Standard work in lean production is defined by three elements: takt time, the work sequence, and in-process stock. Takt time sets the pace so production meets customer demand; it answers the question of how fast each unit must be produced. The work sequence specifies the exact order of operations and the standardized method workers follow, which minimizes variation, reduces wasted motion, and makes the process repeatable. In-process stock, or the amount of inventory kept between steps, provides the necessary buffer to maintain a smooth flow at the takt pace without starving or overloading any station. These three together describe how a task should be performed every time: at the right speed, in the same way, with just enough inventory to keep the line moving. Other options mix in cycle time or lead time, which are metrics of performance rather than the three elements that define standard work, or add production targets or wastes that aren’t part of the standard-work definition.

Standard work in lean production is defined by three elements: takt time, the work sequence, and in-process stock. Takt time sets the pace so production meets customer demand; it answers the question of how fast each unit must be produced. The work sequence specifies the exact order of operations and the standardized method workers follow, which minimizes variation, reduces wasted motion, and makes the process repeatable. In-process stock, or the amount of inventory kept between steps, provides the necessary buffer to maintain a smooth flow at the takt pace without starving or overloading any station.

These three together describe how a task should be performed every time: at the right speed, in the same way, with just enough inventory to keep the line moving. Other options mix in cycle time or lead time, which are metrics of performance rather than the three elements that define standard work, or add production targets or wastes that aren’t part of the standard-work definition.