Most of us are familiar with the seven wastes in Lean. But often we hear of an additional eighth waste – Underutilized Skills and Talent. What contributes to it, and how can we improve? To address this, we will hear from two Lean experts and then the authors of a recent research article. First, in [...]
What is standard or standardized work? What is its role in Lean? Is it difficult to implement? What are some examples? We will use several sources to address these topics in order. What is standard or standardized work and its role in Lean? Standard work defined: A precise description of each work activity, specifying cycle [...]
In a video from WorkSmart Systems, learn the 10 rules for assembly cell design based on over 25 years of experience at the time of the video. As you will see, these rules incorporate steps to minimize the 8 wastes. Keep it Moving One-piece flow with minimum effort Balance production and have limited work in [...]
Bernard Marr, recognized by LinkedIn as one of the top five business influencers in the world, discusses the top 10 mistakes companies make regarding KPIs. According to Bernard, KPIs should be the key source of information as to how a business is delivering its strategy. Here are the 10 KPI mistakes Bernard covers in his [...]
What does it take to meet your customers’ demand? How do the measures of Takt Time, Cycle Time, and Lead Time help us in meeting that demand? How can we use them to improve our processes? In this excellent video, Karl Petersen defines Takt Time, Cycle Time, and Lead Time, discusses how they are related [...]
We often think of state Departments of Transportation as inefficient, especially the Division of Motor Vehicles. However, Wisconsin DOT developed a strong performance measurement and continuous improvement program in 2013. Wisconsin DOT uses their MAPSS Program to measure how they are doing and have implemented Lean Six Sigma to drive improvement where needed. These core [...]
If you are not actively identifying your stakeholders and engaging them as you conduct your project, you may be increasing the likelihood of failure. Projects would certainly be easier if it weren’t for people, those who have an interest in your project – the stakeholders. Dr. Mike Clayton, CEO and founder of OnlinePMCourses and a [...]
The International Society of Six Sigma Professionals brings you a significant presentation from the past. DMAIC or DMEDI (DFSS)? That is the Question, May 2, 2006 Steven H. Jones Note: Steven is currently the Delivery Excellence Leader at Concentrix. Do you want to improve an existing process, or do you want to design a new [...]
Hitesh Bhasin, in his blog from Marketing91, outlines how to conduct a Service Gap Analysis. A service gap is the difference between what the customers expect and what they perceived was delivered. This is based on a Gap Model. The Gap Model identifies six types of gaps that can occur along the way from the [...]
“I KEEP six honest serving-men (They taught me all I knew); Their names are What and Why and When And How and Where and Who.” From “The Elephant’s Child” in Just So Stories, 1902, Rudyard Kipling. This video from Quality Hub India, with a realistic example, presents how to use 5W1H to write an effective [...]
