I read an article today in Machine Design about how certain types of industries are using 3D printing to supplement their main production. This is a process referred to as Hybrid Manufacturing. We all use plastic parts every day. Most of us never think twice about these parts are made. We take it for granted …
Last week I introduced the concept of a layered approach to support your sustain efforts. This week I want to go into more depth on coaching cards. First, let’s do a re-cap. The three layers of support are coaching cards, leader standard work, and management or Gemba walks. Each layer supports the layer above it. …
Gain Huge Benefits from Kamishibai/Coaching Cards Read More »
Many company cultures are reactive. People love firefighting. Something happens and then everyone reacts to what happened. Decisions are made with little data collection. I’m sure your company isn’t like that but in case you are, here are four tips to build a proactive culture. 1. Establish the company Lean Management System When you operate …
Given everything that is going on right now with the Covid19 pandemic, you are urged to wear a mask and keep six feet away from other people to stop the spread of the virus. Unfortunately, this gained the name of Social Distancing. In reality, what is being suggested is physical distancing. As a leader, you …
It’s Physical Distancing not Social Distancing- Don’t Leave Your Employees on an Island Read More »
One of the key elements on my American Lean Weekday podcast is the weekly interviews that I conduct with companies on their Lean Journey. These companies are from various industries and are all different sizes. I have interviewed leaders from family-owned businesses to multi-national organizations. This podcast can be found here. It is episode eighty-two …
Implementing Flow Lines Saves $200K and Increases Throughput by 30% Read More »
It seems like we are just learning about Industry 4.0 and the enablers that will impact that digital transformation. Now companies are discussing what Industry 5.0 looks like. Earlier in the year, I talked about the use of cobots to support Industry 4.0. Industry 5.0 is based on humans and robots working together in close …
One of the many questions I receive from companies on their Lean transformation is “These Rapid Improvement Events are great but how do we sustain the gains we make?” The answer is to cascade your sustain efforts using three levels of sustain! You might believe sustain is only done at the operator or team member …
Much of your Lean transformation will be driven by employee engagement and teams. Value Stream Mapping teams. Rapid Improvement teams. TPM teams. 6S teams. Safety teams. Problem-solving teams. People working closely together on teams to make a positive change within your business. Here are tips to build high-performance teams. 1. Provide clarity and measurements for …
Level Five Leadership: The Pinnacle Whether we are talking about a businessman, a football coach, or a teacher; there is one thing they all have in common…they are leaders. But what level of leadership are they? How do they treat their employees? What do they think about results and deadlines? Every leader operates at his/her …
One of the key elements on my American Lean Weekday podcast is the weekly interviews that I conduct with companies on their Lean Journey. These companies are from various industries and are all different sizes. I have interviewed leaders from family-owned businesses to multi-national organizations. This podcast can be found here. It is episode seventy-seven …
Elkay Manufacturing Improves its Supply Chain with Lean Read More »