Discover the Weak Points and Improve
"So physically shifting from batch and queue operations…to one-piece flow without inventory almost guarantees you will encounter many more problems. So why do it? Precisely to allow the processes to…
Flow and the Pursuit of Perfection
"Connected processes force all team members to strive for perfection. [Toyota Manager] Ohno taught that lowering the 'water level' of inventory exposes problems (like rocks in the water), and you…
The Benefit of One-Piece Flow
"One of the greatest benefits of one-piece flow is that problems surface and challenge people to think and improve." The Toyota Way 2nd Edition by Jeffrey K. Liker (McGraw Hill,…
Lean, Christian Belief, and “Common Grace”
Bible-believing Christians know that Adam and Eve's fall into sin brought death and destruction to the human race. The "fall" damaged both people and creation. In Genesis 3:16-19, we read…
Does 5S = Lean??
"Unfortunately, some companies seem to think 5S [the system of organizing and labeling work areas] is lean production. ...The Toyota Production System is not about using 5S to neatly organize and…
Confirm that 5S is Being Followed: Audits
"Do 5S audits periodically, give scores to different groups, and hold them accountable for improving their scores. Toyota team leaders and group leaders audit their processes regularly, often with daily…
5S: Treating Workers like “Surgeons”
"It is useful to think of the operator [worker] as a surgeon. Obviously, a surgeon needs to focus completely on the patient. The last thing you want is the surgeon…
“5S” makes Work Areas Safe, Productive, and Reliable
"The objective of workplace organization is to create a functionally organized work environment and not to simply give the appearance that things are organized." Lean Office and Service Simplified by…
2 Pillars of Lean: Discipline and Accountability
"This culture (at Toyota) has, in our view, two pillars—the discipline to follow a path of continuous problem solving and self-improvement, and accountability to work standards, fellow team members, company…
More Standards = More Creativity??
"The paradox of Lean is that the more structure and standards you have in place, the more flexible and creative you can become." Flatlined: Why Lean Transformations Fail and What…