A tractor is the workhorse of the modern day farm. Ploughing the field, harvesting the grain, or bailing the hay are all done with a tractor pulling a tool specifically designed for the task. And the tool is connected to the tractor using a pin, often called the linchpin.
In a world of Operational Excellence, People are the linchpin that connects the lean tools to the process as part of an entire system. People are the resource that uses the tool to identify and solve the problem.
People are the resource that identifies the problem
Almost all of the tools that make up the operating model based on the principles of the Toyota Production system are designed to form a standard that make it obvious when there is a problem.
Total Productive Maintenance restores the equipment to “like new” condition so it is obvious when a problem occurs. 5S organizes a work area in a way that makes a missing tool or part obvious. BUT it is people who have to notice the problem based on the standard.
It takes people to see that the equipment is leaking or low on oil. It takes people to see the tool is missing on the shadow board. People are the connection between the tool and system that makes the operating model work.
People are the resource that solves the problem
Almost all of the tools that make up the operating model based on the principles of the Toyota Production system are designed to form a standard or expectation.
When plotting a variable on a control chart and the trend is heading out of the control limits an action has to be taken to restore the process to the standard. When the standardized work cannot be completed in the time established the help chain has to be called and resources applied to restore flow and meet the takt time.
It takes people to solve these problems. People see the problem and solve it. People are the connection between the tool and system that make the operating model work.
People area an organization’s most valuable resource. Help your organization see that people are the linchpin to your operational excellence.
Jeff Swoyer
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