Standardized Work: Choreographed Dance between Man and Machine

Standardized Work: Choreographed Dance between Man and Machine 

Observing well executed and well-designed standardized work is like watching a choreographed dance between man and machines. All the same key elements apply: Content, Sequence, Timing, and Outcome. Both dance and standardized work are designed to synchronize steps in a pre-specified way that creates the impression of two entities appearing to operate as one. The music and the dancer, the person and the machine, complementing each other’s movements.

Content

In dance, the content can be described as the step or the move. First position, grande jeté, or plié are all dance steps in ballet or the content that will make up the dance. In standardized work it is walk to control panel, push button, slide in bar, etc.  The content describes what to do.

Sequence

The order of the steps in the dance is pre-specified. “You put your right hand in, you put your right hand out, you put your right hand in and you shake it all about.” The sequence matters, if you want be in sync with the music and the other dancers. The same is true of standardized work. Completing the work content but varying the order it is completed in is like changing the dance during the performance.

Timing

The timing of standardized work is as critical as the content and sequence. It also plays a special role in helping to recognize problems. If a work content element is not completed in the pre-specified time, it is an early indication of a problem with the process. It is critical for the synchronization of dancers and people and machines. If a unit is going to be completed and the operator needs to be there to unload it, then the timing is critical.

Outcome

The outcome of well-choreographed dance is the appearance of the dancer moving in harmony with the music and the music complementing the moves of the dancer. In the same way, the outcome of well-choreographed standardized work is a product or service that is safely produced defect-free on demand at the lowest cost – every time.

Videos of the Toyota production line look like they could easily be put to music as cars move along at a pre-specified pace while operators move in and out adding parts and components.  The outcome is a car that is the result of well-choreographed dance.

Learn more in Patrick’s book, “Facilitating Effective Change,” available online through Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Patrick Putorti

Patrick Putorti

Patrick Putorti

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