Foundational Concepts of Lean

Lean manufacturing utilizes a number of strategies and tools to improve the business by boosting productivity and eliminating waste. The following are just a handful of the most common Lean tools, many have been adopted from manufacturing in Japan and the Toyota Production System . 5S (The Visual Workplace) 5S is a system of creating…

Mike Wilson | June 7, 2019 | 5S, Continuous Improvement, Kaizen, Kanban, Lean, Lean Manufacturing | 2 min read

Six Sigma Principles

The Six Sigma methodology is one that focuses on creating quality products and eliminating defects. Though Six Sigma is a vast idea that spans a number of Lean philosophies and methods, at its core, Six Sigma is driven by three principles: Process Improvement— Companies should take consistent action to eliminate root causes of deficiencies within…

Jesse Allred | February 18, 2019 | Continuous Improvement, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma | 2 min read

What is a Gemba Walk?

Gemba walks are an important concept in your Lean toolbox. Managers and business leaders go on Gemba (“go and see”) walks to observe firsthand how the production line is operating. The Objective of a Gemba Walk In businesses, managers often look to company leaders for direction. The value created by a business, though, exists out…

Jesse Allred | February 11, 2019 | Lean | 2 min read

The 5S Shine Pillar – Inspection and Maintenance

The third step of 5S is Seiso, a Japanese term translated to mean Shine. During Shine, workers are encouraged to do a deep cleaning of their space, ensuring there is no grime, dust, or oil spills remaining. However, it is important to remember that cleaning is not the only facet of this phase and that…

Jesse Allred | January 15, 2019 | 5S, Lean, Lean Manufacturing | 2 min read

Using Kanban to Reduce Waste and Inventory

Utilizing the kanban system in your manufacturing facility can greatly reduce wastes, eventually adding value for the end customer. Kanban is commonly used in Lean manufacturing settings and JIT manufacturing settings, A kanban system utilizes visual cues to trigger specific actions, effectively cultivating a pull production system. What’s the difference between a pull system and…

Jesse Allred | January 9, 2019 | Kanban | 2 min read

The Tools of Kaizen

Kaizen is the methodology and philosophy of making small continuous improvements in business. It can be both an ongoing daily commitment or be implemented in a series of short-term, rapid improvement events. Kaizen involves employers from all levels and works to make small incremental changes in nearly every aspect of the workplace. There are many…

Jesse Allred | September 27, 2018 | Kaizen | 3 min read

The Toyota Production System House

 The Toyota Production System, or TPS, is a widely-used and successful production system in manufacturing that focuses on reducing and eliminating waste, while producing quality products for consumers. The TPS model was developed by the Toyota Motor Corporation for their vehicle production system, but the principles and activities it encompasses can be applied to nearly…

Jesse Allred | September 20, 2018 | Kanban, Lean | 2 min read

The Top 5 Ways To Implement & Improve Lean Efforts in the Workplace

Since you’re reading this, you probably have some notion, however small, as to what lean strategies are, but you might be struggling with implementing them into your workplace for the first time. For others, you might be seeking a lean-based solution to a specific problem you’re noticing in your place of work. Whatever your case,…

Tony Ferraro | April 23, 2014 | Continuous Improvement | 5 min read

Money may not be the Only Motivation for Employees

Keeping employees motivated is one of the most important thing managers and leadership teams can do for their business. Motivated employees not only contribute more to the company in the way they work, but they also come up with innovative new ideas, inspire others and provide many other important benefits. While it is obvious that…

Tony Ferraro | January 2, 2014 | Continuous Improvement | 3 min read

How to Get Employees More Involved

It is commonly said that the employees of a company are its most valuable resource. This is true on many different levels. Of course, employees are necessary for getting the day to day work done in any business, and without them, the company would quickly have to be shut down. What is perhaps more important,…

Tony Ferraro | December 31, 2013 | Continuous Improvement | 3 min read