Digital revolution puts fresh spin on lean manufacturing

Digital technology is helping companies reinterpret the basic principles laid out under the Toyota Production System (TPS). A range of connected systems combined with advances in data analysis are allowing manufacturers to upgrade the traditional TPS values of waste elimination, process optimisation, defect detection and constant improvement. The whole idea of robotisation or computerisation itself is an essential ingredient to the Toyota philosophy, as epitomised under the jidoka concept of 'automation with a human touch'.