Lean requires changing systems, organizational structures, processes, acquiring new technologies/machines, and even altering layout of the workplace. And although all of these components are important, the most important area of focus for Lean leaders are the people. Implementing Lean is a journey and has a huge impact on employees because Lean changes the way that
READ MORETaiichi Ohno (considered by many to be the father of Lean) highlighted overproduction as the worst of all the 7 Wastes. Overproduction includes in essence all others wastes so it could be considered the most problematic. However, many have missed one of the biggest opportunities for quick improvement by overlooking one of the deadliest wastes,
READ MOREOn Fridays I will post a Lean related Quote. Throughout our lifetimes many people touch our lives and leave us with words of wisdom. These can both be a source of new learning and also a point to pause and reflect upon lessons we have learned. Within Lean active learning is an important aspect on
READ MOREPerformance goal setting is an important activity that is closely related to quality improvement. The process of setting goals can serve as a road map to your success. Goals set for departments, teams, or individuals should be linked to the organization’s mission, purpose, and strategic plans. One process for helping you set clear, achievable goals
READ MOREFor my Facebook fans you already know about this great feature. But for those of you that are not connected to A Lean Journey on Facebook or Twitter I post daily a feature I call Lean Tips. It is meant to be advice, things I learned from experience, and some knowledge tidbits about Lean to
READ MOREA Lean Enterprise is centered on the concept of flow. Once value added activities and necessary non-value activities are identified, improvement efforts are directed toward making the activities flow. Flow is the uninterrupted movement of product or service through the system to the customer. An obvious question is why the processes we operate at the
READ MOREOn Fridays I will post a Lean related Quote. Throughout our lifetimes many people touch our lives and leave us with words of wisdom. These can both be a source of new learning and also a point to pause and reflect upon lessons we have learned. Within Lean active learning is an important aspect on
READ MOREThe importance of the quality function within the organization has been evolving along with that of the customer. Organizations focused on their customers consistently outperform their competition. A truly customer-focused organization sees things through the “lens of the customer” not the “lens of the organization”. Customer-driven organizations share certain traits. Flattened hierarchies. When customers are
READ MOREMost businesses understand the value of using metrics to assess the state of their company and validate the company is heading in the right direction. Organizational metrics, sometimes called Key Performance Indicators (KPI), are developed to understand the overall health of an organization. They provide the fundamental element of balanced scorecards and dashboards, which are
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