Flow requires (and produces) higher quality
than Batch & Queue

As you can see from this chart - flow processes demand high quality in order to function -
and therefore generate high-quality output, almost as a by-product.

  Batch & Queue Flow
Effect of defect on work flow There are usually other batches of work to work on while the defective batch gets reworked or scrapped & replaced The entire production process screeches to a halt until the problem is resolved (this is called andon or jidoka)
Typical number of defective deliveries before problem is noticed Usually at least one large batch - and often more than one One unit
(or the smallest possible batch size)
Typical amount of time before the problem is noticed The total time between operations - which can often involve WIP inventory stored for very long periods Moments
Typical measures of quality Can be very sloppy. Batch & queue can tolerate poor quality. Flow cannot tolerate poor quality. Flow processes demand high quality in order to function - and therefore generate high-quality output almost as a by-product.

 
 
 

 

Other benefits of Lean Flow

See our Heijunka training page to learn about more benefits of Lean Flow over Batch & Queue.