Fun With 5S – The Garage Game
When I’m introducing 5S to a new audience, I like to get them comfortable with the concept. I ask how many have a garage. Usually about 2/3 of the audience.. read more
When I’m introducing 5S to a new audience, I like to get them comfortable with the concept. I ask how many have a garage. Usually about 2/3 of the audience.. read more
In a 5S Kaizen event, we eliminate as much from the work area as we can. What remains, we locate as close to the Point of Use (POU) as possible… read more
What’s a spaghetti Diagram you ask? It’s a really nifty tool that maps the movements of an individual operator during the making of one product. The map begins with a.. read more
“What’s a monument?” you ask. Most organizations have large pieces of equipment that weigh tons, are often half submerged or above the roof, sometimes contain liquids (like plating chemicals),.. read more
Kamishibai is another of those Japanese terms that doesn’t translate easily into English. The concept is simple, but only recently duplicated in the Western World. Why learn about it? Because.. read more
A lot of Americans bridle at the use of Japanese terms to describe Lean things. I feel very much the opposite. Language springs from cultures and shared experiences. So, when.. read more
I’ve had the good fortune to hear from some of my readers and noticed a few disturbing trends. It appears that there may be one more post I need to.. read more
The VSM tells leaders* what is obstructing flow within the value stream. Trust me, there’s always something, but suppose this is the first time they’re reviewing the VSM. What are.. read more
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
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