Content by Mark R. Hamel
Does Your Cycle Time Have a Weight Problem?When production cycle times vary, weighted-average cycle time can help maintain lean manufacturing
Wed, 04/06/2011 - 12:47
Understanding a process’ cycle time is extremely important, especially in the context of takt time. In a mixed-model environment, cycle time can be a bit less straightforward. That’s where weighted averages may make sense.
Weighted-average cycle…Two Cents on Lean Certifications… and a Cow Named ‘Fuku’Beware of confusing certification with effectiveness
Thu, 03/24/2011 - 06:00
A colleague of mine recently shared a story about the renowned Chihiro Nakao, student of Taiichi Ohno and founder of the Shingijutsu, the consulting group that teaches Toyota Production System principles. According to the story, a client once asked…Two Cents on Lean Certifications… and a Cow Named ‘Fuku’Beware of confusing certification with effectiveness
Thu, 03/24/2011 - 06:00
A colleague of mine recently shared a story about the renowned Chihiro Nakao, student of Taiichi Ohno and founder of the Shingijutsu, the consulting group that teaches Toyota Production System principles. According to the story, a client once asked…The Intrinsic Discipline of the Lean Leader Faith and commitment to lean principles inspire others to aspire
Tue, 03/01/2011 - 09:10
A recent George F. Will column referenced the sign re-created to the right. Although I don’t necessarily believe that the signage encompasses the complete definition of discipline, it certainly provides food for thought.
A lot of…Bridging to Daily <i>Kaizen</i>—14 (no, 15) QuestionsCrossing to organized lean requires answering 15 (or so) questions
Mon, 01/31/2011 - 04:30
My teenage education was (maybe) enhanced by substantial doses of Monty Python. Occasionally, I discover a lean metaphor somewhere within their body of work. One of my absolute favorite scenes is from the movie, Monty Python and the Holy Grail.…<em>Kaizen</em> and ChemistryOften overlooked, chemistry is the glue that bonds successful teams
Tue, 10/05/2010 - 05:30
I recently experienced the pain associated with coaching a team with poor chemistry. It happened within a kaizen event team, so the pain was finite, being that a kaizen event is a rapid improvement of a limited process area. It was, however, an…Lean Leadership: Lessons From My Dog-Obedience SenseiConstructive insights from man’s best friend
Tue, 08/10/2010 - 06:00
My dog, Bailey, has a sensei—a dog-obedience trainer. Actually, my wife and I have a sensei to teach us how to train our dog. In fact, my wife and I have used the same dog-obedience trainer for the last three dogs, all German shepherds. No one…