Getting to Lean, LLC | Robert B. Camp, Lean Transformation Coach | 704.798.6980 | [email protected]
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Archive for the 'Lean' Category

VSM Part #7 – Aftershock

Posted on August 11th, 2015 · Posted in Leadership, Lean, Value Stream Map

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

VSM Part #6B – Importance to Decision-Making (“If this, then that”)

Posted on August 8th, 2015 · Posted in Leadership, Lean, lean tools, Value Stream Map

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

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

Posted on August 3rd, 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 22nd, 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 17th, 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 13th, 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 6th, 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 2nd, 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 25th, 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 June 25th, 2015 · 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