Pursuing the Lean Journey in a Dynamic Environment

The Kanata, Ontario division of Solectron was first exposed to lean principles in September 2003. As a manufacturing subcontractor, Solectron requires flexibility to continually introduce new products and customers. Several different value streams, all at different levels of lean maturity, are now operating in Solectron.

Over 50% growth in the last year has added to the complexity of expanding the lean mentality through the division.

This seminar will cover the how Kanata has addressed the following : achieving individual continuous Value stream improvement; establishing a common vision and direction for all value streams , how the value streams learn from each other; the various tools and techniques which are used to guide the teams.

The overall success of lean is not necessarily in the quick, large incremental changes. Success in Kanata is better measured in the small daily changes that happen. The continual desire to improve is a passion that permeates through the division.

Solectron is a leading global provider of electronics manufacturing and integrated supply chain services. We serve the world’s most innovative companies in industries that rely on high-tech electronics. Our 57,000 employees have a hand in designing, making and servicing products that people around the world rely on every day.

The Solectron facility in Kanata has a population of 350 people, it is an electronics subcontractor with several different value streams including Surface mount, through hole, mechanical assembly.

Robert Scharfe, Functional Excellence Manager

Robert previously was the Operations Engineering Manager for 5 years. He has been exposed to Lean for the last 2 years. He also has had the opportunity to travel to Japan and Mexico to study lean production facilities of different lean maturities.

Robert has awareness that in order to sustain and even grow the business, lean concepts and the elimination of muda is critical.

Presently Solectron Kanata has over 15 teams active in the lean journey. They have even extended the value stream to some of their customers and suppliers. Robert will talk about the simple tools that they use to measure their progress and how they keep the flame alive.