A Lean Water Spider Is What?
A role in a production or warehousing is referred to as a “lean water spider,” or “water spider,” in the manufacturing industry. The primary responsibility of this role is to guarantee that resources are delivered where and when they are needed. Keeping workstations properly stocked with supplies is one of a water spider’s many duties, which eventually helps other employees be more productive overall.
Though the function is far more significant, it is frequently mistaken for a material handler or considered a “gopher” in terms of gathering and delivering items. It is necessary for lean water spiders to understand every procedure pertaining to the materials and equipment they oversee. In order to facilitate production flow and guarantee ongoing efficiency, they also move from workstation to workstation, inspecting each on a regular cycle.
The water spider is an essential component in lean production. Having someone committed to enhancing chores can lessen additional stress and enable a constant flow of output. Employees would have to transfer supplies between their own workstations in the absence of this role, adding to the time and waste associated with transportation. By removing inefficiencies from any current procedures, having one person in this function allows for the creation of an environment with the least amount of variety.
Lean Water Spiders’ Objectives
During regular rounds, lean water spiders follow a predetermined job sequence. They ought to be familiar with the procedures used in the operations they assist. This information aids in discovering any inefficiencies and, in the end, lessens production delays.
To make sure JIT work is completed, it’s also critical to have organized schedules and routes. In addition to following a particular order while moving from one place to another, water spiders should standardize the way they complete their responsibilities.
Water spiders ought to have a certain set of objectives. Every task should be completed in the same manner. A few examples of different chores are transporting supplies, components, or equipment; taking out trash; putting kanban cards on a post; and changing status boards. Even keeping an eye on staff members with less expertise might be included in the tasks. A water spider will have less free time as their operations get leaner; there shouldn’t be much variety in their task.
When a water spider has some free time, they ought to be able to take up sporadic extra responsibilities to improve workflow in a warehouse or process. Certain operations, like tool replacement, are not often performed throughout production cycles. Water spiders are not meant to be flexible; rather, they are meant to reduce variance for other production floor employees.
Cons And Advantages Of Little Water Spiders
While adopting a lean water spider stance has several advantages, there are drawbacks as well that should be considered before implementing. Among the advantages of the job are the following:
- decreases the amount of time floor workers waste; facilitates task standardization;
- makes lean manufacturing possible;
- streamlines intricate production procedures; and
- reduces variance.
However, there might be a few drawbacks to water spiders, such as the following:
- Inadequate information might lead managers to perceive the function as less significant than it actually is. They could add more tasks to their process if they consider it to be secondary to productivity. The result will be decreased productivity as a result. Moreover, other employees’ productivity would suffer if they have less time to devote to their primary responsibilities.
- Sometimes, water spiders might also make rounds that are empty. There may be hidden manufacturing inefficiencies to blame for this.
- If a water spider needs to manage various work zones, then supporting larger activities could be more challenging.
Job Duties For Lean Water Spiders
Job searchers may see posts expressing specific tasks and asking for particular attributes when searching for a lean water spider role. For instance, a business searching for a lean water spider may look for someone capable of doing the following duties:
- Deliver different components, assemblies, and resources to manufacturing from a staging area or warehouse.
- Ensure that such supplies are ready for usage.
- Employ software for enterprise resource planning (ERP).
- Reduce mistakes by implementing continuous improvement techniques.
- In case of any defects or as needed, replenish supplies and equipment.
- Control kanbans.
- Assure effective team communication.
Important Traits That Employers Could Search For Include The Following:
- The water spider needs to understand particular procedures.
- The water spider must complete its rounds and procedures in a methodical and process-driven manner.
- Because they must transport materials between locations and workplaces, water spiders must likewise be constantly on the go.
Lean Water Spider Growth Position
The position of the water spider has a lot of room for advancement, even if it is occasionally underestimated in importance. A person in this role will pick up a lot of knowledge about the manufacturing line and the business they work for. In an ideal world, kids would meet the staff and learn about the unique difficulties each person has on the job. Having this position is beneficial if you want to work as a manager, supervisor, or team leader in the future. Prior to taking on a leadership role, former lean water spiders should have experience on the floor to have an understanding of the work process that all employees must go through, the present workflow, and how it can be maintained lean. Further professional development in lean and Six Sigma manufacturing techniques may also be possible with this role.
