There has been great debate as to whether lean manufacturing and system integration can coexist.
Lean manufacturing goals and system integration can work together to boost productivity on the manufacturing floor in a number of ways. In order for manufacturing companies to compete domestically and globally, flexible and integrated systems are critical. According to Jamie Flinchbaugh, a founder and partner of the Lean Learning Center (Novi, MI), “Manufacturers must look for flexible systems that are easily modified and that also improve the process, save time, and reduce errors.”