Developing a Standardized Approach to Work, Part 3
In this four-part series, we take an in-depth look at how to design an effective work environment. Part one discusses the elements of continuous-flow work cells.
Perfecting Performance
John Berger is no stranger to the benefits of training within industry (TWI). In 1995, when Berger was working for global manufacturing giant Emerson, he was challenged to move an entire product line of electro-mechanical sensors from Minnesota to Singapore.
Developing a Standardized Approach to Work, Part 2
In this four-part series, we take an in-depth look at how to design an effective work environment. Part one discusses the elements of continuous-flow work cells.
Developing a Standardized Approach to Work, Part 1
In this four-part series, we take an in-depth look at how to design an effective work environment. Part one discusses the elements of continuous-flow work cells.
A Lean Office Eliminates Waste and Saves Time
Higher customer expectations, cost-cutting pressures, thinner margins, and shorter lead times are some of the daily challenges that organizations face.
The 12 Herculean Labors of Lean Leaders
When we say that a task is Herculean, it means it is extremely difficult.
Use Innovation Tools to Make Transactional Lean Improvements
Value stream or other lean analysis helps identify the main obstacles to flow in a process.
Got an Effective Problem-Solving Culture?
A recent article published in Quality Digest Daily pointed out that to foster a problem-solving culture, managers must serve as mentors and cultural leaders—building the systems and atmosphere that support and encourage team members at all levels to problem s
A <em>Kata</em> for Developing Solutions
For more than 20 years, Toyota’s methods, known as “lean,” have made headlines. And that’s how long engineer, researcher, and author Mike Rother has been involved with the subject. Like many others, Rother began with Toyota’s production tools.
Learning from Toyota’s Snafu
The Toyota Production System and U.S. health care improvement share a long history. What lessons can health care leaders learn from Toyota’s recent production troubles?