Lean Order Entry

Huh?

Tue, 07/15/2008 - 05:37

Question: Many modern enthusiasts claim that feng shui is Chinese for the practice of arranging objects (such as furniture) to help people achieve their goals. What is the American corporation translation of feng shui?

Answer: 5S (5 = feng, S = shui)

A very good client (definition: one in which top management actually is open to modifying its behaviors and management structure; one that wants to learn real lean—and not practice fake lean) asked me to determine why its waste-reduction and quality-improvement efforts in the order-entry process had run into a roadblock and weren’t progressing any further after some initial successes.

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Comments

Funny that you should call 5S for Order Entry a crazy idea. Recently, I participated in a Lean Six-sigma Green Belt training course. I was the "odd man" on a team of Order Entry clerks. Naturally, our team project was to “lean” their Order Entry process. With a background in Aerospace/Defense Manufacturing Quality, and none whatsoever in Order Entry, I was having a somewhat difficult time of it--but, my teammates weren't having an easy go at it either.

However, after reading your article on the subject, it seems a lot clearer to me. Unfortunately, I’m no longer on that team (my teammates were all from a different location from mine and at the end of the course went their way. If I can possibly find a way to reach them I’ll share it with them). I, meanwhile, have joined another (local) team.

Thanks for a very informative lesson.

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