Visions of reducing inefficiencies for real-world Lean transformation in manufacturing, distribution, and supply chain operations are only the tip of the iceberg.   Imagine what a live workplace simulation workshop can do for your organization. A couple of questions are often asked: “Why does anyone need Lean?” and “Would the time and expense of a  Read more »

Mark Graban’s Lean Blog has put together a collection of Dilbert comic strips that pokes fun at Lean and Six Sigma implementation.  http://www.leanblog.org/dilbert Enjoy!! Recommend on Facebook Share on Linkedin Tweet about it Subscribe to the comments on this post Print for later Tell a friend

In a previous post “Leadership and a Trusting Culture”   I talked about the importance of developing trust as a critical component of  managing change in any organization. To build trust, leaders must first develop listening skills. Team members must know that their ideas will be heard and given proper consideration. The synergies to be  Read more »

Lean: Is It All or Nothing? – Manufacturing Executive Community- Question posted originally on: http://www.manufacturing-executive.com/message/2637 Enrique’s answer: A company can often obtain small gains by utilizing the Lean tools.  For instance, using 5S to organize the shop floor results in immediate gains in productivity and accident prevention.  However, sustainability of the improvements depends on the  Read more »

In Lean applications, it is very important to assess “value” from the customer’s vantage point. Activities that don’t add value to the product or service are by definition “waste.” Delivering what the customer wants when he wants it is the primary thrust of Lean.  The vehicle for accomplishing this is the elimination of waste from processes.  ISO  Read more »

People not familiar with the ISO 9001 standard may think of it as being bureaucratic with lots of extra paperwork.  In reality, this is far from the truth. The ISO 9001:2008 standard requires that you establish controls for your business, that you monitor customer satisfaction and that you continually improve your processes.  These basic elements  Read more »

The elimination of waste is the main focus of Lean Manufacturing.  In recent years, many organizations have incorporated the concept of the “eighth waste” in their implementation of Lean Manufacturing.  Many early sources spoke about the Seven Wastes that are found in most processes: Overproducing Transporting Waiting Inappropriate processing Building unnecessary inventories Conducting unnecessary movements Defects and errors Lean  Read more »

Some people think that compliance with ISO 9001:2008 inhibits innovation and Lean transformational change. This is very far from the truth. I previously wrote about how compatible and complementary both methods are when implemented in the same timeframe. I will explain in more detail below. ISO requires the organization to be engaged in Continual Improvement.  Lean provides one vehicle for a company  Read more »