This study demonstrates application of Lean techniques to improve working process in
a sewing machine factory, focusing on the raw material picking process. The value stream
mapping and flow process chart techniques were utilized to identify the value added activities,
non-value activities and necessary but non-value added activities in the current
process. The ECRS (Eliminate, Combine, Rearrange and Simplify) in waste reduction was
subsequently applied to improve the working process by (i) adjusting the raw material picking
procedures and pre-packing raw material as per demand, (ii) adding symbols onto the
containers to reduce time spent in picking material based on visual control principle, and
(iii) developing and zoning storage area, identifying level location for each row and also
applying algorithms generated from a solver program and linear programming to appropriately
define the location of raw material storage. Improvement in the raw material picking
process was realized, cutting down six out of 11 procedures in material picking or by 55%,
reducing material picking time from 24 to 4 min or by 83%. The distance to handle material
in the warehouse can be shortened by 120 m per time or 2,400 m per day, equal to 86%
reduction. Lean techniques