As the economy struggles to gain momentum, business owners need to keep the future in mind. These slower times provide the perfect opportunity to consider the direction of your company. Lean businesses that have developed intelligent processes, reduced inventory, and streamlined flow are capable of focus and poised for strategic growth when other companies may falter. 

Lean reinforces the ideas of teamwork and flexibility as well as the ability to react quickly to an ever-changing marketplace. As the world of manufacturing continues to evolve, it will be the companies that can profitably accommodate small batches, quick turns, and customized products that will become the leaders. Lean can help position your company to handle these requests. 

Assessing the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that your company faces, as well as the goals you have for your organization is the first step to getting started with lean. By looking at your company in this way, areas that have excess capacity or inefficiencies will become apparent. Address these areas by strategically analyzing the processes and activities causing the inefficiencies or bottlenecks. From there, a controlled improvement plan can be developed and implemented. 

Part of your improvement plan may include shifting responsibilities within your company. Slower times and lower volumes provide an opportunity to take talented individuals off the production line and utilize their abilities in business development or product engineering roles. Cross-training and investing in your intangible assets--your people--will help you as the economy begins to strengthen. Your employees will then be empowered to make decisions and improvements to help further your company’s success and address the challenges that lie ahead.

The chaotic, busy times we experienced a decade ago brought growth that was not strategically planned or implemented. Now is the time to retrench. Seize the opportunity to reorganize, train, and gain solid footing for the future.