Effective operating systems have a process for assigning tasks daily based on an evaluation of the business’ performance in the past 24 hours. David Mann has an effective method – a board that has days of the month across the top and team members down the side. This forms a grid, allowing assignments to be […]
You Are Either Getting Fitter or You Are Getting Fatter
April 26, 2019 By Leave a Comment
Unlocking the value in your organization requires constant energy. Probably the most poorly understood factor in change efforts is that efforts cannot stop or the system will fall apart. There is a real lack of appreciation for what is required to keep changed systems operating in good health. A swimmer who stops all activity does […]
The Advantage of 1×1
November 9, 2018 By Leave a Comment
World class organizations define continuous improvement as a constant pursuit of the ideal. They define the ideal as safely producing, 1 x 1, defect free, on-demand with an immediate response. The idea is to supply a customer with what they need one at a time, at the highest quality, immediately when the customer asks for […]
Isolating Waste
October 26, 2018 By Leave a Comment
World class organizations understand seeing waste is often the first step in eliminating it. However, seeing it does not necessarily mean it can easily be eliminated. In these instances, it is best to at least isolate it so everyone not only – CAN see it but – HAS to see it. Isolate Waste so Everyone […]
Fork is a Decision
October 12, 2018 By Leave a Comment
World class organizations always begin their improvement practice by drawing the process that they are trying to improve. A box for each activity filled with a verb and noun that describe the work content as well as lines showing the flow of material. There is a very clear message in the draw that comes from […]
Just do it!
September 28, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Unlocking the value in your operation starts with action. The best organizations don’t get held up waiting for I.T. solutions or new equipment or new superstar managers. They know that continuous improvement comes from action. Action on the shop floor or where ever the value is added. They don’t let “great” get in the way […]
What to Expect from Setting Expectations
September 14, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Great companies unlock incredible value by simply setting expectations. The lean practitioner will tell you that the value in setting expectations is to recognize and solve problems, but there is a benefit even before solving the problems. A benefit of about a 15% improvement in performance. The 15% of improvement by setting expectations comes from […]
The Power of Duct Tape, Bubble Gum and Shoe Laces
August 31, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Continuous Improvement is by definition “continuous” and most improvement requires physical change on the shop floor. Reports may need run and a few forms created, but real change that effects the bottom line takes place on the shop floor or where the value is created. Work Class organizations are relentless at pursuing these changes and […]
What if your Improvement Team is the Problem?
August 17, 2018 By Leave a Comment
World Class organizations use a team of trained improvement professionals to unlock value in their organizations. They see this group dedicated to working on the business rather than in the business. But, often when inexperienced or untrained, this team can be the problem rather than solving the problem. They create an environment that feels like […]
Cure cuts while they’re small!
August 3, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Lean operating systems unlock the value in business by working hard to solve problems while they are small. They avoid the slow demise of many operations cursed with “Death by a Thousand Cuts”. It is rarely one big event that causes a good operation to slowly drift into chaos. It is more likely an endless […]
