Lean operating systems recognize the value of people and believe everyone should leave work the same way they arrived – injury free. Two powerful benefits arise from truly believing in zero injuries-the awareness to see hazards and a clear message about the value of people. The Awareness to See Hazards It is all too easy to […]
Change the Thinking—Change the Results
Lean operating systems unlock the value in business by changing the way the organization thinks. Two powerful questions arise from a well-designed operation. What was the cause, and what was the method? What Was the Cause? Almost all lean tools are based on the scientific method, which is often characterized as problem, causes, solution, action, […]
Authority erodes, but influence lasts forever
“I have a dream…” – Martin Luther King Jr. Unlocking value in your organization requires a certain kind of leadership. It means stepping up and doing it yourself, not usurping authority or transferring it to someone else. A well meaning business vice president tried doing just that. “If Joe says something, it’s like me saying […]
Everything you need to know about operations you learned in elementary?
Scientific Method Officially, the method of procedure that has characterized natural science since the 17th century, the scientific method is typically taught as early as 2nd grade. Purpose: What do you want to learn? A north American extrusion company was struggling with on-time delivery. The data showed that extrusion presses were literally at record production […]
Standardize Principles – Personalize Approach
World class organizations align themselves around a set of principles that have stood the test of time like; using the scientific method, creating standard work for people paced activities, engaging operators in the preventative maintenance of the equipment. While almost all these organizations agree on the principles, a visit to each would reveal a variety […]