In order to have a good understanding how 5S and lean concepts are connected, is important to first take a look at them separately. 5S is a way of measuring the implementation of lean manufacturing techniques. It is the foundation which is used to support lean manufacturing strategies from the beginning until full implementation. Lean manufacturing,…
Tony Ferraro | August 21, 2013 | 5S, Lean, Lean Manufacturing | 5S, Facility Efficiency, Lean Manufacturing
The catchball is an important part of any planning process, but it is something that is all too often just glossed over. When done properly the catchball encourages leadership and team members to dialogue about a particular topic in an efficient and productive manner. It can help to break down the walls which are all…
Tony Ferraro | July 22, 2013 | Kaizen, Lean | Continuous Improvement, Facility Efficiency, Kaizen, Lean Manufacturing
Getting started as a lean manager can be a daunting task because in many cases people don’t really understand what it is you’re supposed to be doing. In many cases the lean manager will also have other roles within the facility, and has been given the task of implementing lean concepts as well. One of the most…
Tony Ferraro | June 25, 2013 | Lean | Continuous Improvement, Facility Efficiency, Lean Manufacturing
When evaluating a facility for ways to improve efficiency and implement lean standards there are many different areas to observe. For most companies it is important to take advantage of the IT staff when planning and implementing any changes or improvements throughout the facility. While IT won’t be able to assist with every single step…
Tony Ferraro | April 24, 2013 | Lean | Facility Efficiency, Lean Manufacturing
As most people are aware, six sigma is a concept of process measurement and improvement used by many companies around the world. The goal in any six sigma process is to have no more than 3.4 defects per million opportunities. An opportunity is any specific task which is performed. It could be anything from the manufacturing of…
Tony Ferraro | April 17, 2013 | Continuous Improvement, Lean, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma | Continuous Improvement, Facility Efficiency, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma
Kanban systems are an important scheduling system used in ‘just-in-time’ production facilities. The word Kanban actually means signboard or billboard, and with these systems each part or product is only supplied as it is needed. This critical part of the just in time method of manufacturing helps to eliminate waste in a variety of ways…
Tony Ferraro | April 17, 2013 | Kanban, Lean, Lean Manufacturing | Barcoding, Facility Efficiency, Kanban, Lean, Lean Manufacturing
If you run or even just work in a hospital it is likely quite clear that there are many things which can, and should, be done to help improve the way things run. Unfortunately with a system which is as large and complex as a healthcare facility this can be difficult to do. If you’re…
Tony Ferraro | April 8, 2013 | Healthcare, Lean | Facility Efficiency, Healthcare, Lean Manufacturing
In a perfect world every company, regardless of its size, would have a full time safety manager who is dedicated to locating any hazards in the work environment and reducing or eliminating them quickly. The reality is, however, that many companies can’t afford to have a full time employee dedicated to this area and others don’t want…
Tony Ferraro | April 4, 2013 | 5S, Lean, Safety | Facility Efficiency, OSHA, Workplace Safety
When investigating ways to help your business run more efficiently and safely almost everyone has come across the terms 5s and lean, and in many cases they are even thought of as somewhat interchangeable. The fact is, however, that they have different meanings even if they are used in combination with each other when evaluating the…
Tony Ferraro | April 1, 2013 | 5S, Lean, Lean Manufacturing | 5S, Facility Efficiency, Lean, Lean Manufacturing
Kaizen is a Japanese word which means improvement or to change for the better, but it is also a philosophy or set of practices which many businesses use to help them focus on continuous improvement of their processes in manufacturing. While it has been applied in many industries including health care, banking, engineering and government,…
Tony Ferraro | March 2, 2013 | Continuous Improvement, Kaizen, Lean, Lean Manufacturing | Continuous Improvement, Facility Efficiency, Kaizen, Lean Manufacturing
