As I mentioned in the previous post, there are many things to “standardize” in business. In the Lean Business Culture, perhaps the most important thing to standardize is the work processes we use to create customer value. This is known as “Standardized Work.” (See Note 1 below) Here are a few definitions:

“A standard is the best known method at the moment that meets the internal and external customer expectations, and which we all agree to follow with accountability until we improve it.” The Toyota Engagement Equation by Tracey & Ernie Richardson (McGraw Hill, 2017) p. 109.

“By “standardized work,” we are referring to the most efficient and effective combination of people, material, and equipment to perform the work that is presently possible. “Presently possible” means it is today’s best-known way, which can be improved.”  The Toyota Way 2nd Edition by Jeffrey K. Liker (McGraw Hill, 2021) p. 111.

“Work standards are best practice guidelines for human operators on how a task or job should be performed to achieve a desired and consistent level of performance to ensure the efficient and safe production of a good part. Work standards help to figure out a better way to do it, and then have all workers do it consistently in this better way.”  All About Work Standards by Christoph Roser (AllAboutLean.com Publishing, 2024) p. 26.

(Note 1: Standardized Work is know by other labels such as “Work Standards”, “Standard Work”, “Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)”, “Protocol”, “Job Instructions”, “Best Practices”, etc.)