SIRF Roundtables Blog

OERt Masterclass​​ | Inventory Management from a LEAN Perspective

Written by Jeff Naylor | Jun 5, 2025 5:17:48 AM

Thank you to those that joined us at our recent session on Inventory Management from a LEAN Perspective. Whether you’re on the shop floor or managing supply chains, we hope you walked away with practical insights to apply LEAN thinking and drive smarter, more efficient operations.​​

Special Thanks

A big thank you to our presenter, John Thomas, for sharing his wealth of knowledge and real-world experience with us during our event. With over 35 years in manufacturing, John’s journey from technician apprentice in South Wales to managing director by age 36 is a testament to his incredible expertise and leadership. He has spearheaded major projects worldwide, but among his proudest achievements is the launch of Johnson Controls’ greenfield site in Adelaide—a model of lean operations that produced finished goods in just 79 minutes, with a TAKT time of 76 seconds. John’s insights during our session provided invaluable lessons for us all, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to learn directly from his impressive career.

Event Recap & Key Takeaways

In today’s fast-paced environment, outdated inventory thinking can quietly hinder both operational flow and financial results. This session challenged traditional mindsets and explored how leading LEAN organizations treat inventory—not as a safety net, but as waste to minimize. Here are the key points:

  • 5S is the starting point:
  • A clean, organized workspace helps keep inventory under control​
  • Inventory ≠ Profit:
  • Excess stock ties up capital, hides process inefficiencies, and reduces profitability.​
  • Hidden Costs:
  • Storage, damage, and waste can make inventory more expensive than it looks.​
  • LEAN Mindset:
  • Lean businesses aim to hold only what’s truly needed—no more, no less.​
  • Real results:
  • Some companies run smoothly with just minutes' worth of inventory on hand.​​​