3 min read

Understanding the Hour-by-Hour Board: A Lean Tool for Efficiency

By Lean Center of Excellence on Sep 6, 2023 9:00:00 AM

In the world of Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement is the name of the game. Lean principles aim to optimize processes and reduce waste, ultimately leading to increased efficiency and improved quality. One invaluable tool in the Lean toolbox is the Hour-by-Hour (HbH) board. This visual management tool plays a pivotal role in tracking performance, enhancing communication, and facilitating real-time decision-making within the manufacturing environment. In this blog, we'll dive into the background and the numerous benefits of the Hour-by-Hour board as a Lean tool.

Topics: Visual Management Production Metrics
4 min read

Sustaining the 6S Method: Tips for Long-Term Success

By Lean Center of Excellence on Jul 17, 2023 12:12:47 PM

Introduction

Maintaining a clean and organized living or working environment is essential for productivity, safety, and overall well-being. The 6S method originated in manufacturing but has been effective in other settings as well. We’ve outlined a highly level overview of the five key steps in our first blog of this series, with a follow-up blog on the difficulties of sustaining it. In this blog post, we will delve into the importance of sustaining the 6S method and provide you with practical tips to help maintain the gains achieved through the previous steps. But first, a refresher on the updated Six Steps:

Topics: Operational Excellence Lean Center of Excellence
2 min read

Kamishibai: Enhancing Auditing with Visual Management

By Lean Center of Excellence on Jun 19, 2023 3:48:38 PM

Introduction and Background:

Kamishibai (pronounced ka-MEE-she-bye), a methodology originating from Japan, combines storytelling and visual management to revolutionize auditing processes. Inspired by traditional Japanese street theater, Kamishibai harnesses the power of visuals and the concept of "gemba" to conduct audits at the workplace. Organizations can streamline their auditing efforts by employing cards on boards and driving compliance, transparency, and continuous improvement.

Topics: Operational Excellence Lean Center of Excellence
6 min read

A3-Problem-Solving to Unlock Effective Solutions

By Lean Center of Excellence on May 24, 2023 4:11:45 PM

In the realm of problem-solving methodologies, the A3 method stands out as a structured and efficient approach to tackling complex challenges. Originating from the Toyota Production System, this problem-solving technique has been widely adopted in various industries and organizations worldwide. In this blog post, we will explore the need for the A3 method and its significant benefits to individuals and organizations.

Topics: Lean Center of Excellence
8 min read

Economies of Scale Are Nice, But Rigidities of Scale?

By Lean Center of Excellence on Oct 20, 2022 3:31:07 PM

 

 

 

The effect of economies of scale is well-established and important for businesses. It is the principle behind the “learning curve effect” and the strategic value of gaining market share.

Topics: Lean Center of Excellence
7 min read

How To Perform Root Cause Analysis With the “Five Times Why” Method

By Lean Center of Excellence on Sep 23, 2022 6:49:14 PM

In an earlier blog post, we said that defect prevention depended on understanding the root cause(s). Because this is such an important part of the problem-solving process, let’s explore it further.

Topics: Troubleshooting Lean Center of Excellence "How to" Blogs
10 min read

Do People Really Hate Their Job? (And Can You Change That?)

By Lean Center of Excellence on Jul 19, 2022 10:10:29 AM

There is a lot of talk about how difficult it is for businesses to find and keep workers. Whether you call it “The Great Resignation” or another term, something is clearly happening. The sixty-four-thousand-dollar question is, “What’s driving this?”.

Topics: Job Design
4 min read

How to Reduce Transactional Complexity with Lean

By Lean Center of Excellence on Jun 22, 2022 9:49:05 AM

Have you ever wondered where all the overhead in your business is coming from? Transaction costs might be to blame, but luckily there are things you can do to minimize these. Lean methodology holds the keys to reducing the most readily addressable issues affecting transaction costs in your business.

Topics: Lean Center of Excellence Cost Reduction "How to" Blogs
4 min read

Additional Capacity vs Additional Inventory: Which is Better?

By Lean Center of Excellence on Jun 6, 2022 9:50:13 AM

You’ll sometimes hear inventory referred to as “crystallized capacity,” the idea being that when you have limited capacity, building inventory is a solution that helps you meet customer demand. The typical example is a seasonal business, like a manufacturer of skiing equipment. 

Topics: Operational Agility Lean Center of Excellence Comparison Blogs
7 min read

Value Stream Mapping: Trap or Treasure?

By Lean Center of Excellence on Jun 1, 2022 2:05:27 PM

Value stream mapping seems like a cryptic artificial constraint to the outsider, but it can actually be a powerful tool for your business. If you get past seeing this as a documentation exercise and explore the possibilities it exposes for operational improvements, you’ll see how a value stream map is worth your time.

Topics: Lean Center of Excellence