Innovation
Starbucks eyes lean manufacturing techniques
Can Starbucks employ lean manufacturing techniques used by fast-food rivals without becoming a fast-food joint itself? Starbucks is trying to deploy "lean thinking" used in Toyota's production system. There are even Mr. Potato Head assembly drills.
Can Starbucks employ lean manufacturing techniques used by fast-food rivals without becoming a fast-food joint itself?
That question was raised by a Wall Street Journal story highlighting how Starbucks is trying to deploy "lean thinking." In a nutshell, Starbucks has a lean team that times baristas and teaches them aspects of Toyota's production system. There are even Mr. Potato Head assembly drills.