If you have had an opportunity to read my book the Lean Game Plan, you know that I talk about implementing pull systems within the organization to improve inventory turns and increase cash flow. I saw firsthand how powerful pull systems are when I worked with a family-owned company in Cincinnati that had very poor …
How to Increase Cash Flow without Laying Off Employees Part 2 Read More »
The yes… and… principle is great to keep top of mind so you don’t negate someone’s idea or input into a conversation. Let’s say that you are conducting a brainstorming activity, and someone brings up an idea. When someone responds with okay or that won’t work which will kill the entire process, answer instead with …
Say yes…and… to Improve Brainstorming and Engagement Read More »
In our lives, we have all suffered from what is called imposter syndrome. Maybe you have just been promoted to a new leadership position. Maybe you have been asked to be the Lean coordinator for your site or company. It could be you are beginning an entirely different career or switching to a new industry. …
How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome as a Lean Leader Read More »
Only seven months into their Lean Journey- Capco Inc. a $65M company headquartered in Grand Junction, CO has seen benefits and inventory improvements by implementing Kanban. This has enabled them to minimize stock-outs and keep employees working and happier. Capco Inc. has 100,000 square feet facility, 400 employees and has been around since 1968. They …
Capco Inc. Seeing Benefits from their Lean Journey in 7 Months Read More »
As I mentioned in the original Industry 4.0 blog, nine enablers support Industry 4.0 or Smart Manufacturing. I list the nine enablers below. While 5G networks will allow you to collect data at an alarming rate, how do you take that data and turn it into information? Big Data will be key. Some of the …
These are unique times in the business world right now. Many middle-market and SME’s (small and medium-sized enterprises) will return to work and cash flow will be on everyone’s mind. I want to share a four-part series on how to increase cash flow in your manufacturing operations. The default thought process might be to cut …
How to Increase Cash Flow Without Laying Off Employees Part 1 Read More »
When beginning your Lean journey many companies ask the question of how can we get employees engaged? Another question that goes through their mind is often WHY do I have to get people involved? The answer is simple. Employees who are included are committed. Here are four ways to increase employee commitment. Many years ago, …
As leaders, it is important to remember we are there to coach employees to their potential. This often gets overlooked because we get busy running the business, attending meeting after meeting (many of which are non-value added). Then, with the little energy we have left, we get around to doing our hardest work, coaching and …
My guess is you are familiar with a Nest thermostat or a Ring doorbell. Maybe your refrigerator lets you know when you are out of milk. These devices are Internet of Things (IoT) devices. IIoT devices will move beyond your home to the factory floor. IIoT or the Industrial Internet of Things is another key …
Now that social distancing is a thing, I would like to provide you with a tool you can use to maintain social distancing and keep employees safe. It might require a re-design of your current assembly lines, but it will be worth it. It is called In-Process-Kanban or IPK. Many of the pictures I have …
Keep Employees Safe and Minimize WIP Using In-Process-Kanbans (IPK’s) Read More »