“The whole is more than the sum of the parts.” – Aristotle.
Systems thinking is a key concept in Lean that involves seeing businesses as interconnected systems, rather than collections of individual processes and operations.
Systems thinking is about understanding how different parts of a business work together and how actions taken in one part of the business can have effects on other parts of the business.
Example of a clothing factory
Example, a company that manufactures clothing using different types of sewing machines, each with different specifications and capabilities. The company finds that some machines have a higher failure rate than others, leading to delays in production.
Examine all faults
By using systems thinking, the company can realize that failures of these machines can be caused by several factors, such as worn parts, poor operating conditions, or maintenance errors. By looking at the entire production system, the company can then take steps to resolve the problem more effectively.
Systemic solutions
Rather than simply replacing faulty machines, the company could implement preventive maintenance programs for all machines, to minimize the risk of breakdowns. It could also invest in training for operators so that they can better understand the specifications and capabilities of different machines and thus avoid operating errors.
Looking beyond immediate problems
With systems thinking, businesses can identify the complex interactions between different processes and operations, which can help improve overall business efficiency. This often involves looking beyond immediate issues and understanding how changes in one area can affect the entire business.