Getting to Lean, LLC | Robert B. Camp, Lean Transformation Coach | 704.798.6980 | robert@gettingtolean.com
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VSM Part #6A – Importance to Decision-Making (Who, What & How Often?)

Posted on August 5, 2015 · Posted in Flow, Leadership, lean tools, Pull, Value Stream Map

To this point, we’ve examined the mechanics of the Value Stream Map (VSM).  We’ve looked at the the flow of the process, at the data boxes, at the flow of.. read more

Value Stream Map – Part 5: Value Add vs. Non-Value Add

Posted on August 3, 2015 · Posted in Leadership, Lean, lean tools, Value Stream Map

One of the critical features of a Value Stream Map (VSM) is the sawtooth chart at the bottom of the map.  Many overlook this chart, as it seems superfluous when.. read more

Value Stream Map – Part 4: Material Flow

Posted on July 22, 2015 · Posted in Lean, Lean Thoughts, lean tools, Value Stream Map

Remember, a Value Stream Map should be communicating to you and  to your organization.  So far we’ve examined how the flow chart and data boxes communicate.  Now we’re going to.. read more

Value Stream Map – Part 3: Information Flow

Posted on July 17, 2015 · Posted in Flow, Lean, lean tools, Value Stream Map

Perhaps one of the least well understood or appreciated parts of the Value Stream Map is the information flow at the top.  That said, it’s an important part of the.. read more

Value Stream Map – Part 2: The Data Box

Posted on July 13, 2015 · Posted in Flow, Lean, Lean Thoughts, lean tools, Value Stream Map

In the picture at the top of the page, you can see both flow chart (discussed in my last post) and the data boxes below them.  I’ve included the flow chart.. read more

Value Stream Map – Part 1: The High Level Flow Chart

Posted on July 6, 2015 · Posted in Flow, flow chart, Lean, lean tools, Value Stream Map

There are some wonderful books on this subject.  I have no desire to compete with them, but I would like to break open this extremely important and underutilized tool.  In.. read more

Pacer Cord – Working at Takt Time

Posted on July 2, 2015 · Posted in Flow, Lean, lean tools, standard work, SWCS

Q.  How do you keep the pace of an assembly operation constant?   A.  Big businesses use conveyors, or some other piece of big mechanical equipment, that conveys Work In.. read more

Standard Work Combination Sheet

Posted on June 25, 2015 · Posted in Lean, Lean Thoughts, lean tools, SCWS, standard work

My last post concluded a discussion of Takt Time.  So, if you’re working to Takt Time, how do you know when each operation in your process is supposed to start.. read more

Shadow Boxes

Posted on · Posted in Lean, Lean Thoughts, lean tools, Water Spider

Lean practitioners are familiar with the concept of shadow boards.  We frequently use them to organize tools so that it’s immediately evident if one is missing.  If one is, a.. read more

Takt Time

Posted on June 24, 2015 · Posted in Flow, Lean, Lean Thoughts, lean tools, standard work

“What?” That’s usually the first question the uninitiated ask.  “Are you saying tack time?” is the next.  Those of you using Lean know the answer, but let me just refresh. .. read more