What is Operational Excellence in Manufacturing?

Operational excellence in manufacturing generally means applying lean manufacturing techniques. This involves employees at every level working to improve business operations to achieve long-term sustainable growth and profitability.

Operational excellence (or OpEx) got its start in the 1970s, when management consultant Dr. Joseph M. Juran taught Japanese business leaders how to improve organizational quality. The term is closely associated with lean manufacturing, made popular by Toyota. Today, it is used in lean operations to lower operational risks and costs.

If you want to learn more about operational excellence in manufacturing, explore this guide that goes over the following: