How Jaguar used lean methodology to improve operations ..

Jaguar is one of the iconic car manufacturer from UK that has had tough times over the past four decades.

Sensing problems, Jaguar was up for sale and was bought by Ford. Later Ford sold it to Tata from India. While Jaguar was with Ford, they tried a partly successful implementation of lean in their Jaguar S line at Castle Bromwich plant in Birmingham. While Jaguar was with Ford they successfully implemented lean. Probably due to mismanagement and high input costs for Ford, they had to finally sell it to Tatas.

Looking at the lean implementation, what were the salient points behind the successful lean implementation in Jaguar? I am listing out four points which is a great learning for organisations around the globe looking for lean implementation. Refer to this case ..

1. Bringing change in the working culture and organisation structure

2. Matching supply to demand by incorporating Just in Time inventory policies

3. Visual management and visual control

4. Open Information centre.

5. Ownership of work and formation of work teams