Lean Insight and Product Reviews
Computers and machines have done amazing things in the manufacturing industry. They not only help to streamline processes, but also prevent a lot of mistakes and ensure things get done much more quickly. Even with all these advancements, however, there is still a great need for employees to take care of a lot of the…
Auto repair shops are often in a perfect situation to take advantage of 5S strategies. These shops typically have a lot of different types of inventory, and perform a wide variety of different tasks each day. Since they are repairing all different makes and models of vehicle, not to mention the year, as well as…
Every business is—or should be—interested in finding ways to cut costs and increase profits while still providing a quality product for its consumers. Many components of a business are essentially beyond a company’s control, so one of the only real options for a business that wants to lower its costs is to streamline its efficiency…
As more and more companies move toward six sigma standards, millions of individuals are evaluating whether or not they should attain their certification belts. Companies are also looking at whether or not it is worth it to send their employees through the training necessary to earn any of the various belts. This isn’t an easy…
In the modern professional world, a number of large companies have traded the classic rigid work environment for a more casual atmosphere in the hopes of increasing inspiration and productivity. Employees who were once restricted by highly rigid regulations of conduct and attire have found an entirely new type of workplace appearing on the horizon.…
The idea of 5S attracts a lot of “window shoppers,” who at first glance, become excited with the idea that they can transform their organization into a clean, organized, well working machine. However, turning their excitement into execution, is often times a challenge they are not prepared for. For many organizations, the challenge or lack…
Now that you’re deciding which business manager is most qualified for the leadership position in your company, you may be wondering whether it’s best to hire a man or a woman for the position. It’s obvious that men and women possess certain inherent traits that are particularly effective in certain aspects of business. However, it’s…
In the world of manufacturing there are several guarantees, unfortunately some are more welcome than others. The Six Big Losses are an unwelcome guest in manufacturing plants everywhere. They are the waste that robs you of productivity, opportunity, time, and money, without notice. The Six Big losses make no attempt to hide their whereabouts while…
Mistakes can be healthy for the development of a business of any size. Mistakes can be a sign of fast movement and quick decision-making on behalf of the employees and management. The occasional honest mistake demonstrates that employees are willing to try new approaches, even when there is a potential risk for failure. However, management…
Toyota defines Heijunka as the overall leveling, in the production schedule , of the volume and variety of items produced in given time periods and adds that it is a pre-requisite for just-in-time delivery. The basic Japanese translation of Heijunka, is “levelization.” Why Heijunka? Production leveling, as it is also referred to is essential to…