Streamlining the Operations and Management Department’s Stationery Area

Abstract

The current processes and activities of the UW-Stout’s College of Management’s stationery supplies area are inefficient and ineffective. As a result, considerable money, time and effort that could otherwise be better used elsewhere have been wasted. This paper takes an in-depth look at the principles of lean, and how best these techniques can be used to streamline the process problems of the stationery space. The problems include excess inventory, storage challenges, improper stocking and the inefficient usage of stationery equipment. This paper applies the appropriate tools of an A3 report sheet, the seven waste elimination technique, visual management and the 5S methodology to identify and eliminate waste in the stationery system. It also helped to improve operations and to cut down cost. This study also enhanced employees’ understanding of lean practices and how to inculcate lean in the work place in order to sustain the culture of lean in the organization. Based on the findings of the study, this paper recommends that inventory should to be kept at a very minimal level and the use of visual management techniques should be increased.