We
use a distinctly hands-on approach. Lean enterprise methods are easy
enough to learn. Successful implementation is another thing
altogether. That requires hard work, discipline,
follow-through and ongoing attention. A simple training model isn't
adequate (you know....train all the troops in basic lean methods and
hope they figure out how to apply them). On-site coaching and
counseling and real-time education and training is the key.
Here's how we go about it.
Gathering Information
First,
we gather information about your organization. We take the trouble to
talk with you and your employees about the business. We ask names and
give our own. We also tell workers and managers what we're doing.
(Few things make workers more nervous that a stranger running around
the shop floor with a pencil and pad.) We find out what you're already
doing well and what you need to work on. We learn something about the
culture of your business. We design an approach that addresses your
specific circumstances, so it's important that we get to know a lot
about your circumstances.
Leadership Planning
Next, we
work with you to develop a plan and a calendar. And metrics to keep
track of progress. We know lean but you know your business. We have
to collaborate on a plan that everybody buys into. We do this in a
series of half-day planning sessions. We present our findings and
recommendations. Then we talk with you about those findings and
recommendations.
Taking Action
Then come the actual
improvement initiatives. 5S. Setup time reduction. Manufacturing
cells. Error-proofing. Standardized work instructions. Pull systems.
And more. What we do depends on what we find and what you're ready
for. But there's no cookie cutter approach. It's all designed with
you, for your unique operations. Every business doesn't need
manufacturing cells. Some businesses need lots of 5S (some need lots
and lots!). Others...not so much. Some operations have already paid
lots of attention to set up time reduction. Others...not so much. The
specific improvement initiatives we employ and the schedule with which
we roll them out will differ with each company.
Evaluation
Finally,
there is evaluation, assessment, and continual improvement. We look at
the metrics with you to decide if the lean methods are helping the
business get better.
Four stages to success. It's not rocket
science. But if was easy, everybody would be doing it. We'll help you
through the rough parts. We'll help you be successful.
Can we skip steps? After all, why not cut right to the chase?
In
a word...no. There are no short cuts and no quick fixes. Many have
tried the "get right to the 5S and creating manufacturing cells"
approach. Nearly all of them have failed. Our approach is proven.
Four steps to success.
