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The Sixth Sigma: Achieve Breakthrough Performance Using Six Sigma

Monday, July 20, 2009

Cleveland Lean Manufacturing

Local firm receives grant to train workforce in lean techniques. ...

... "JDC Industrial Mechanical Systems LLC in Cleveland: This grant will provide training to 13 employees in lean manufacturing and 5-S Portion. " ...


Via Cleveland Daily Banner: Job-training grant

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Saturday, May 02, 2009

Lean 5S Sorting in the Workplace

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Sunday, January 11, 2009

Lean Manufacturing 5S Shine

Video presentation of the Lean 5S Shine step ...

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Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Lean 5S in Workplace

Sportscar manufacturer adopts lean principles to improve quality and efficiency. ...

Lean principles are adopted by car manufacturer

... "The programme began earlier this year with a consultant-run workshop on using the 5S principles in the workplace. " ...


Via Works Management: Westfield Embraces Lean

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Thursday, March 13, 2008

Lean Visual Management

5S principles and visual management ...

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Monday, November 05, 2007

Lean Supply Chain Sorted and Straightened

Lean is not easy - in manufacturing or other business processes. But, it's results are achievable with the right level of committment. It can translate beyond the factory to the supply chain, where elimination of waste can scale across many inefficient processes that need sorting and straightening. Read on for some good insights on thinking beyond the plant boundaries. ...

... "It is admittedly easier to think about sortation and straightening in the context of manufacturing and warehousing than in the supply chain, but when you extend their definitions to include the development of good processes and procedures, their relevance becomes clear. " ...


Via DC Velocity: Supply Chain


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Wednesday, September 12, 2007

5S Lean Principles Explained

5S and Lean principles illustrated in this video. ...

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Sunday, September 09, 2007

Kaizen Facilitation Education Opportunity

Workshop teaches you to facilitate Kaizen and is scheduled for September 25, at Northeast State Technical Community College. ...

... "The Kaizen Facilitator Training Workshop will teach production and support personnel, who will be strongly involved in leading and the success of Kaizen events, a standard Kaizen process that can be used for implementing lean manufacturing tools, such as quick changeover, 5S, cellular/layout and TPM. " ...


Via Tri-Cities, Tennessee: Workshop Details

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Thursday, January 04, 2007

Manufacturing Expansion: Lean Foundation

Scott Electronics expands manufacturing capacity ...

... "The equipment and employee expansion in Mexico will allow this lean facility to increase its production in the coax and POF (plastic optical fiber) business. " ...


Via ThomasNet: Scott Electronics Inc. Expands Manufacturing Capabilities in its Salem, N.H. and Nogales, Sonora Mexico Facility

Background on Scott Electronics: Scott Electronics provides quick turn with lead times from same day to 1 week for established production Kanban programs. Six Sigma and 5S implementation in all assembly cells.

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Wednesday, November 08, 2006

5S Effort: Lean at Moyno

Moyno implements lean manufacturing initiatives to achieve profitability through cost savings and to attract and retain highly skilled employees. ...

Lean 5S initiative at Moyno focuses on efficiency

... "The 5S efforts of the lean manufacturing program involve five specific areas of focus: sort, set in order, shine, standardize and sustain. At Moyno, 5S is being implemented in six areas including, for example, the chrome plating area, the small pump area and the office area. " ...


Via Impeller: Lean Manufacturing Initiatives Increase Efficiencies at Moyno ...

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Sunday, September 10, 2006

Kaizen Events: Early 5S Wins Sustain Momentum in Lean Journey ...

The lean implementation is valuable in the long run, however, early successes through kaizen events and 5S work delivers short-term gains that sustain the journey. ...

... "Almost always, there are immediate returns from the preliminary 5S process of getting every area shipshape. The same goes for early kaizen events that overhaul barnacled processes. " ...

Via Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: Going lean brings long-term payoffs

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Sunday, July 30, 2006

Lean Transformation: Ohio Growth Position ...

Manufacturing companies that have survived the downturn, through tranformation to lean practices, are in position to benefit during the current economic growth. ...

Ohio manufacturers are positioned for growth ...

... "The region's survivors have learned to use the principles of lean manufacturing, which apply to small companies as well as big producers, said Steve Gage, president of MAGNET, a business consulting firm in Cleveland. Survivors have learned to differentiate themselves from competitors and to meet tight production schedules, he said. " ...

Lean Transformation: Ohio Growth Position: Via Beacon Journal: Stealthy success

Ohio has also benefited from a tax friendly business environment ...

OMA | Manufacturers Gather To Discuss State Policy: "Since the tax reform package was passed last June, companies around the state have announced plans for expansion and relocation. According to the Ohio Department of Development plans for new pharmaceuticals and metal products manufacturers and multi-million dollar expansions in numerous other companies in the state can be directly attributed to the state's new tax policy. "

Ohio manufacturing consortium forms Magnet ...

Ohio manufacturing firms form Magnet ...

Magnet :: Manufacturing Advocacy & Growth Network: "Approximately 75 manufacturers from fifteen Northeast Ohio counties, as well as representatives from the Greater Cleveland Partnership, CAMP, Team NEO, NorTech and many others, spent more than a year developing a plan of action for manufacturing in Northeast Ohio. "

Ohio Department of Development supports business investment ...

Ohio Department of Development: STATE RECEIVES 60 APPLICATIONS FOR JOB READY SITES PROGRAM: "The JRS Program is a competitively funded program and was part of the $2 billion public works and economic development bond package initiative that was supported by Ohio voters last fall. The program will provide $150 million in grants to eligible and qualified applicants across the state, which are interested in developing job ready sites. There are five large-scale, high-impact project site categories that are eligible for funding under the program.

Ohio invests in job ready manufacturing sites ...

These categories include: mega manufacturing operations; technical center/research laboratories; manufacturing facilities; existing industrial buildings; and smart office complexes. Within three years after receiving a grant award, approved projects must receive certification from a third-party firm to verify the site has the necessary attributes to accommodate largescale end use development; the property will then be added to a statewide inventory of available sites. "

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Sunday, June 11, 2006

Lean 5S Tool Upgraded ...

Lean tool ...
Lean Toolkit upgraded ...

... "Kaizen Products LLC released its 5S ActionPack product upgrade. Designed to serve those getting started in Toyota Production System methods, the $349.00 multi-media training kit is now available. The 5S principles are a fundamental tool of the Toyota Production System, recognized world wide as a model of operational excellence. The 5S practice of Sort, Straighten, Sweep, Standardize and Self-Discipline are essential to establishing and maintain safety, quality, on-time delivery and productivity in any workplace. " ...

Lean 5S Tool Upgraded: Kaizen Products Releases 5S ActionPack Upgrade – Designed for the Lean Manufacturing DIY Market, New Version Contains Quick Reference Guides, Wallet Cards and Red Tags ...

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Saturday, June 03, 2006

Lean Six Sigma Supports Joint Venture ...

Perkins joint venture sees success with lean in the UK ...
Adam Cort explores the success of Lean Six Sigma at an exemplary plant in the UK ...

... "Then came CAT's 2001 Six Sigma initiative, whereby the company mandated that operations worldwide would adopt the methodology. According to Clark, Six Sigma helped Perkins Shibaura focus its quality efforts. " ...

Lean Six Sigma Supports Joint Venture: Via ASSEMBLY: Crossroads in the UK ...

Perkins and Japanese manufacturer Ishikawajima Shibaura machinery, Ltd. (ISM) launched a joint venture company, Perkins Shibaura Engines, Ltd., and a manufacturing facility in 1996 adjacent to the Perkins manufacturing plant in Peterborough, UK. The original product was the Perkins 100 Series engine. ISM has been manufacturing agricultural equipment and engines since the 1940s and is one of Japan's leading suppliers of small engines and tractors. ISM is part of Ishikawajima Harima Industries - (IHI), one of Japan's largest industrial companies.

Perkins Engines is a wholly owned subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc. and the world's leading supplier of off-highway diesel and gas engines in the 4 - 2000 kW (5 - 2600 hp) market. Perkins' key strength is its ability to tailor engines precisely to meet customers' requirements. More than 300,000 engines are manufactured every year -- that's one every minute -- to 21,000 different specifications. For more than 75 years Caterpillar Inc. has been building the world's infrastructure and, in partnership with its worldwide dealer network, is driving positive and sustainable change in every continent. With 2002 sales and revenues of $20.15 billion, Caterpillar is a technology leader and the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines and industrial gas turbines.

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Monday, May 08, 2006

Lean Manufacturing Machine Tool Inspection Process ...

Lean manufacturing machine tool inspection ...
System enables machine tool inspection, contributing to lean manufacturing process. ...

... "Metrolosys allows manufacturers to use any probe-ready CNC milling machine in the same way they would utilize a Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM). This powerful CAD-based programming and reporting system for machined parts supports ISO 17025, ASME B5.54, and NIST traceability standards. Metrolosys provides independent volumetric error mapping, advanced high-speed probing methods, and automatically generates Inspection G-code. Metrolosys 9.5 ushered in a new era for Lean Manufacturing by reducing machine-tool downtime up to 75%. A user can program a CNC machine using a touch probe to measure a part, and can drastically reduce the process to less than 10 keystrokes when creating the part inspection G-code probing program. Metrolosys enables the machine tool to perform the inspection without tearing down the job for first article inspection or any other inspection requirement. After machining a part, it is already setup for in-place inspection, thus introducing a major contribution to the Lean Manufacturing process. CMM-type alignments of the machine tool to the machined part and its corresponding 3D CAD model are easily accomplished using Metrolosys. " ...

Lean Manufacturing Machine Tool Inspection Process: Via Creative Products Company: Metrolosys Inspection Software Under New Management of Creative Products Company: Aims-enabled Inspection Software Converts Machine Tools into Coordinate Measuring Machines ...

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Monday, January 23, 2006

Lean Automotive Production Manager ...

... "The role of the successful candidates will be to implement the production plan ensuring time cost and material efficient use of resources. Due to the heavy emphasis on the production line improvements, the successful candidates will have knowledge of lean manufacturing methods and 5S. A strong working knowledge within ISO 9001 standards will be expected. " ...

Lean Automotive Production Manager: Via jobs.telegraph.co.uk ...

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Sunday, January 15, 2006

Lean Manufacturing and 5S: Seminar ...

... "VOLUSIA MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION, meeting, 7:45 to 9 a.m., Daytona Beach International Airport, 700 Catalina Drive, Daytona Beach. Topic: Lean Manufacturing and 5-S Methodology. Speakers: Tony Cafarchio, director of quality and Six Sigma, Ocean Design Inc., and John Blattel, vice president of operations, Ocean Design. " ...

Lean Manufacturing and 5S: Seminar: Via Daytona Beach News-Journal: Business

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Thursday, January 12, 2006

Lean Manufacturing Supplier Replenishment

Lean manufacturing software improves supply replenishment. The solution unifies visibility for the provider and consumer in a digital portal. ...

... "Ultriva Inc., the world leader in lean manufacturing software, introduced a new product, Ultriva Supplier Replenishment, designed to help manufacturers digitally manage all forms of material replenishment with suppliers. The new product combines Ultriva’s market leading Electronic Kanban capabilities with new features that allow manufacturers to replenish material with purchase orders based on forecasts or production schedules.

Ultriva Supplier Replenishment provides both manufacturers and suppliers a single internet portal where they can view forecasts and kanban signals, release purchase orders, track orders and manage receipts. Ultriva Supplier Replenishment is designed to eliminate stock-outs and resulting expedited deliveries while reducing inventory levels by up to 75 percent – while streamlining processes and dramatically increasing buyer and planner productivity. Ultriva Supplier Replenishment addresses the critical need for manufacturers to manage both kanban and traditional forecast-based material replenishment within a single application environment. The product includes the ability to manage a wide variety of inventory replenishment methods, including: schedule-based replenishment, discrete POs, min/max, consignment and VMI (vendor-managed inventory) replenishment methods. With Ultriva Supplier Replenishment, manufacturers can drive replenishment from production schedules, publish forecasts to suppliers, and automate purchase order releases and receipts through a collaborative Internet portal. Ultriva Supplier Replenishment ensures a clear system of record for real orders for manufacturers faced with long lead-time materials and fluctuating production schedules. " ...

Lean Manufacturing Supplier Replenishment: Via Ultriva: Ultriva Releases New Supplier Replenishment Software for Lean Manufacturing ...

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Friday, November 25, 2005

Software Manages Continuous Improvement ...

Enna offers software to support 5S continuous improvement activities. ....

Software Manages Continuous Improvement: Via IMPROVEMENT Tools: Managing continuous improvement activities ...

... "Suitable for Lean, Six Sigma and many other improvement initiatives, this software package was developed by Enna, a Canadian company specialising in providing continuous improvement tools. " ...

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Sunday, November 13, 2005

Lean 5S: Visual Kanban Enables Fast Identification ...

Kaizen events deliver optimized floor space usage and increase production rates for Tru-Val Tubing. Visual kanbans and 5S enable fast identification of WIP and dynamic scheduling. ...

Lean 5S: Visual Kanban Enables Fast Identification: Via NIST: Tru-Val Tubing Company: MEP Providing Hands-On Help through the Michigan Manufacturing Extension Partnership ...

... "MMTC's Director of Lean Business Solutions, Robert Lyscas, worked with Dan to secure Economic Development Training Grant (EDJT) funds to assist with training. With its initial EDJT grant, the company sent management representatives to Lean Leadership Training. This allowed management to develop a clear and consistent methodology in its lean approach, and to build a strategic business improvement plan. Additional EDJT monies led to training internal lean champions, Six Sigma black belt training, ISO 14001 training and several kaizen events. " ...


Lean 5S is enabled through the use of visual kanban ...

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Kaizen Event: 5S Implementation ...

Kaizen 5S process at Stevens Industries reduced cycle times, travel distance, and space requirements, while increasing the production capacity. ...

Kaizen Event: 5S Implementation: Via NIST: Stevens Industries International, Inc.: MEP Providing Hands-On Help through Florida Manufacturing Extension Partnership ...

... "Florida MEP worked with Stevens' management team in introducing the principles of lean manufacturing to key employees by presenting a TimeWise Lean 101 workshop thereby providing all team members with the knowledge and necessary tools to advance to the next stage of lean transformation. Stevens then moved on with a Computerized Process Model of their counter top shop in Fort Meyers to evaluate the process in their counter top facility. A value stream map was then created for the Cabinet Manufacturing line, which resulted in a Kaizen event and a 5S-implementation process. The Stevens' Lean Team implemented the basics of lean (5S's, standardized work, quality at the source, pull/kanban systems). " ...


Kaizen 5S event can identify multiple opportunities for operational efficiency in the factory ...

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Saturday, November 12, 2005

Kaizen Events: 5S of Raw Material and Shipping Process

MEP supported the implementation of multiple Kaizen events on the raw material process and shipping area for Cedarworks. First pass yield was increased, cycle time was reduced, and space was increased through operational efficiencies gain through kaizen. ...

Kaizen Events: 5S of Raw Material and Shipping Process: Via NIST: Cedarworks: Assistance to Cedarworks ...

... "Cedarworks' 45 employees participated in Maine MEP's Timewise Lean 101 in order for all to understand the concepts behind Lean Manufacturing. A Value Stream Map of the manufacturing process from product receipt to wrapping for shipment was conducted, as well as a Value Stream Map of the Sales and Customer Service processes. Two Kaizen events were conducted as a result of the Value Stream Map process. One Kaizen event was a 5S of the raw material grading area and the other was a 5S of the shipping area. The Value Stream Map revealed a huge problem with the raw material being received and a problem with the flow of the material in the grading area. " ...

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Saturday, October 15, 2005

Lean SixSigma: Supply Chain Management Position

Lean SixSigma: Supply Chain Management Position: Supply Chain Engineer ...

... "Bringing a focus of waste reduction, you will have knowledge and practical application of lean transformation (5S, TPM, VSM, Line Balance, etc) and/or Six Sigma methods. You will need to be flexible, as there may be extensive European travel involved. With excellent communications and inter-personal skills you will engage with people from senior management to shop floor, showing high standards you will identify opportunities to improve QCD performance and have the tenacity to capitalise on them. " ...

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Monday, October 10, 2005

Lean 5S: Technology Success ...

Learn from mistakes, accelerate improvement cycle times, and adopt the 5S principles of lean. Peter Coffee touches on the lean and agile approach to software development, celebrating recent technology success at the DARPA Grand Challenge, which incorporate elements of lean manufacturing 5S principles ...

Lean 5S: Technology Success: Via eWeek: Little Things Mean a Lot

... "The Five S philosophy of removing the unrelated, arranging the useful, discarding the distracting or dangerous, standardizing the proper practice, and systematizing the overall process has much to offer in application development efforts. " ...

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Friday, October 07, 2005

Lean Six Sigma Efficiency Methodology ...

Lean Six Sigma Efficiency Methodology: Via U.S. Senate: Committee on Appropriations: Defense Subcommittee Hearing on the FY05 Budget for the Navy and Marine Corps: Testimony of The Honorable Gordon England, Secretary of the Navy ...

... "Specific initiatives include: converging our Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) pilots into an end-to-end operating system; incorporating proven world class efficiency methodologies such as Six Sigma and Lean concepts into our day-to-day operations; and implementing additional Multi-Ship/Multi-Option (MSMO) repair contracts and Performance Based Logistics (PBL) agreements. Of note, Lean efficiency events that concentrate on increasing velocity and productivity in our Aviation Intermediate Maintenance Departments (AIMD) were initiated on USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) and USS HARRY TRUMAN (CVN 75). The outcome of these events will allow us to improve our afloat AIMD processes and influence our future manning requirements on CVN 21 Class carriers. These are the first Lean events conducted on Navy warships. " ...

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Monday, September 26, 2005

Lean Manufacturing Visual-Marking Requirements

Lean Manufacturing Visual-Marking Requirements: Via Daily News: AliMed adds DuraStripe to its workplace safety line ...

Lean Manufacturing techniques can be as simple as marking visual lines on the factory floor to accelerate the flow of materials, using products such as Durastripe. Visual markings are a direct contributor to an corporate 5S program ...

... "DuraStripe, DuraShapes and DuraSigns are all marking products designed to promote on-the-job safety through visual communication. DuraStripe offers a solution to any company's safety or 5S programs and enables businesses to meet their lean manufacturing marking requirements. " ...


Additional references for applications of visual-marking in the manufacturing environment and the visual 5S factory:

Lean Building Blocks: MAMTC LEAN: Manufacturing consulting company helping small to ... The intent of a visual factory is that the whole workplace is set-up with signs, labels, etc.

5S Supplies: Where would you use this floor marking tape? "A place for everything, ... of visual controls needs to be part of a much larger lean manufacturing effort. ...

5S | Lean Thinking | Lean and the Environment | EPA: 5S provides the foundation on which other lean methods, such as TPM, ... The Visual Factory: Building Participation Through Shared Information (Portland, ...

Visual 5S Case Study: Factory simulation, to introduce the team to lean manufacturing tools and the ... 5S and Visual Management. The aim was to introduce the team to a method of ...

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Sunday, June 19, 2005

Lean Manufacturing Job: ProductionSupervisor

icWales - Hot Jobs - Production Shift Supervisor

... "You will have working knowledge of lean manufacturing tools such as TPM, 5s and Six Sigma. You will have an excellent understanding and proven experience of ISO standards and a sound technical appreciation of manufacturing processes. " ...

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Saturday, March 12, 2005

Implement Lean Manufacturing Techniques In Small and Medium Size Manufacturers

Implement Lean Manufacturing Techniques: YESCO Signs on With Arizona MEP for Quality Improvement

YESCO receives lean manufacturing consulting help and technical assistance from Arizona MEP to support its transformation ...

From PR Newswire (press release) ... on time. The Arizona MEP helps small and medium sized manufacturers implement Lean Manufacturing (Lean) techniques. Lean utilizes ...

... Known for its larger-than-life neon signs like "Vegas Vic" a 75 foot tall neon cowboy who stands over the Las Vegas strip, the Young Electric Sign Company (YESCO) is a national leader in the sign making industry. And with the help of the Arizona Manufacturing Extension Partnership (Arizona MEP), YESCO's Chandler division is lighting the way for internal improvement and quality upgrades. The Arizona MEP helps small and medium sized manufacturers implement Lean Manufacturing (Lean) techniques. Lean utilizes simple but effective methods to identify wasteful processes, reduce inventories, clear shop floors and streamline production methods, all with a goal of decreasing costs and increasing productivity. ...


The Arizona MEP is an affiliate of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) under the U.S. Department of Commerce. The national MEP is a network of manufacturing extension centers that provide business and technical assistance to smaller manufacturers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Through MEP, manufacturers have access to more than 2000 manufacturing and business "coaches" whose job is to help firms make changes that lead to greater productivity, increased profits, and enhanced global competitiveness.

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Thursday, January 06, 2005

Application of Lean Techniques to Support Restructuring Efforts ...

Application of Lean Techniques: NATCO Group Inc. Sets Forth New Initiatives

From PR Newswire (press release) ... will be achieved at the Company's four primary manufacturing facilities and elsewhere through the application of lean manufacturing techniques designed to ...

... NATCO Group Inc. (NYSE: NTG) announced today plans to restructure its business segments in order to improve execution and customer focus. In addition, the Company announced certain initiatives to enhance the Company's profitability in 2005 and beyond. In order to capitalize on competencies in the manufacture, sale and service of production equipment and systems, the Company will restructure its business segments by end-use markets and related technologies: Gas Technologies, Oil & Water Technologies and Automation & Controls. ...


NATCO Group Inc. is a leading provider of wellhead process equipment, systems and services used in the production of oil and gas. NATCO has designed, manufactured and marketed production equipment and services for more than 75 years. NATCO production equipment is used onshore and offshore in most major oil and gas producing regions of the world.

Additional resources on the application of lean techniques ...

Lean Champion: depth understanding of LEAN tools and techniques as well ... Week 3: Application of LEAN Business Solutions. The LEAN Champion learns how to identify and maintain ...

Lean Six Sigma - VPMEP: Lean Six Sigma is the application of lean techniques to increase ... Utilizing the George Group’s material and techniques, VPMEP can deliver Lean Six Sigma ...

Strategic Application of Lean Thinking: File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat ... levels; tools and technologies, manufacturing methods and general ... Strategic Application of Lean Thinking ... develop, the use of existing lean techniques will be ...

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Tuesday, December 28, 2004

Six Sigma for Service Training ...

Six Sigma Service Training: Atlantic Aviation Flight Services Signs Training Agreement with ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... With more than 20 years of experience in business, technical training, service excellence, Six Sigma, ISO 9000, quality management processes, Customer ...

... ServiceElements, a customer service motivational and strategy firm, has signed a long-term agreement with Atlantic Aviation Flight Services Inc. (AAFS) to provide service strategy consulting and training for all employees and associates of the executive aircraft charter and management company. ...


ServiceElements provides stimulating, highly interactive workshops, seminars and keynote speeches to enhance, elevate and awaken the power of excellent service in various industries, including aviation/aerospace, banking, construction/home building, healthcare, resort & hotel, restaurant and technology. ServiceElements' goal is to create a cooperative drive toward customer success, equipping companies and individual departments with tools to re-focus service culture and sharpening service delivery skills. With more than 20 years of experience in business, technical training, service excellence, Six Sigma, ISO 9000, quality management processes, Customer Relationship Management programs and process re-engineering, ServiceElements can provide needed techniques to help serve customers the way they demand, deserve and desire.

Atlantic Aviation Flight Services Inc. provides executive aircraft charter, full management services, and acquisition services to more than 350 clients in the United States. Atlantic Aviation Flight Services Inc. has been managing aircraft for more than 75 years and offering FAR Part 135 air charter operations for more than 35 years. Atlantic currently has bases of operations at 10 bases in eight states including New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Delaware, Florida and California. Atlantic's fleet consists of a wide selection of aircraft and manufacturers, including Gulfstream, Falcon, Challenger, Hawker, Beechjet, Learjet, Citation, and King Air products.

Additional References for Six Sigma Service Training ...

British Quality Foundation: The BQF Six Sigma Service offers the philosophy, tools, methodology, in-house
training, and metrics to achieve Six Sigma process, product and service ...

Six Sigma Services Black Belt Training: Six Sigma for Services Companies Training is the first program designed ... Six Sigma for Service Companies Training from Six Sigma Qualtec leads ...

Lean Six Sigma for Service by the George Group: Company has created a Lean Six Sigma for Service curriculum especially focused
... ALL of the training is centered on example applications of Lean Six Sigma ...
6th Annual Six Sigma Summit - Featured Keynote Speaker Jack Welch: Lean Six Sigma, Lean Six Sigma for Service, What is Lean Six Sigma?, ... Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma consulting, onsite and online training services. ...

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Saturday, October 30, 2004

Kaizen Techniques: Lean Manufacturing and the Environment

From Lean Manufacturing and the Environment: Research on Advanced Manufacturing Systems and the Environment ...

... "This shift requires highly controlled processes operated in a well maintained, ordered, and clean environment that incorporates principles of employee-involved, system-wide, continual improvement. Common methods used in lean manufacturing include: Kaizen; 5S; Total Productive Maintenance (TPM); Cellular Manufacturing; Just-in-Time Production; Six Sigma; Production Preparation Process (3P); and Lean Enterprise Supplier Networks." ...

The Council for Excellence in Government works to improve the performance of government at all levels; and government's place in the lives and esteem of American citizens. With its experienced staff, network of experts and members, and diverse partners, the Council helps to create stronger public sector leadership and management, driven by innovation and focused on results; and increased citizen confidence and participation in government, through better understanding of government and its role. The Council is supported by members (called Principals)---private sector and nonprofit leaders who have served in government and are united by a strong, sustaining commitment to Council objectives---and by project grants and other funding from government agencies, corporations and foundations. Former Presidents Carter, Ford, Bush and Clinton are honorary chairs of the Council.

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Sunday, October 17, 2004

Six Sigma Training: Community Calendar

From Charlotte Observer, NC ... Mike Hefner will present Lean Six Sigma during the morning session, and concurrent sessions will be held after lunch. The whole day is worth eight CPEs. ...

... Catawba Valley Accounting Conference, 8 a.m. Thursday, Holiday Inn Select, Hickory. Registration will be 8-8:30 a.m. Sponsored by the Catawba Valley Chapter of the Institute of Management Accountants. Mike Hefner will present "Lean Six Sigma" during the morning session, and concurrent sessions will be held after lunch. The whole day is worth eight CPEs. For those who cannot attend the whole day, half-day seminars are available or lunch only. Cost: Members, $100, nonmembers, $125; half-day, members $60, nonmembers $75. Details: Jennifer Dellinger at Jennifer.dellinger@GE.com or (828) 322-2333 x201. ...

Lean Six Sigma training during the morning session

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Tuesday, October 05, 2004

Aid for Kaizen Events: New Booklet Offers 111 Valuable TIPS for Lean Manufacturing

From Emediawire (press release) ... Manufacturing. Lean Leaders and Lean team members will find this booklet particularly useful during Kaizen Events or Blitz Weeks. ...

... Joe Rodriguez, Principal of Global Innovation Leadership, Inc has published a booklet titled, 111 TIPS for Lean Manufacturing. Lean Leaders and Lean team members will find this booklet particularly useful during Kaizen Events or Blitz Weeks. ...



Organizations that have relied on Global Innovation Leadership to improve their operational efficiency, innovational abilities, staff performance, leadership skills, and competitive viability in global markets. GIL's clients range from small manufacturers to Fortune 500-ranked businesses and institutions.

This booklet covers 111 tips to help you implement "Lean Manufacturing" much faster. The tips are split into 10 tips per topic area and we cover the 11 key areas of Lean. The Topics are; Lean Thinking, Waste Elimination, Continuous Flow, Quick Set Up, 5S, TPM, Production Control, Visual Management, Error Proofing, Process Improvements, and Suppliers. Lean leaders and Lean team members will find these ideas useful and easy to implement. A particularly practical booklet to provide each team member with during Blitz week.

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Wednesday, September 01, 2004

Lean Manufacturing Success Story: Wabash National Wins US Senate Productivity Award

From PR Newswire (press release) ... By utilizing lean manufacturing techniques and continuous improvement initiatives, the company has achieved an increase in productivity of over 50%; and a ...

... Wabash National Corp. (NYSE: WNC) today announced that the company has received the 2003 U.S. Senate Productivity Award for the significant cost savings and improvements in productivity it has achieved over the past two years. Since July of 2002, Wabash National has made improvements throughout its manufacturing operations. By utilizing lean manufacturing techniques and continuous improvement initiatives, the company has achieved an increase in productivity of over 50%; and a total consolidated cost savings from all sources in excess of $75 million. ...


The U.S. Senate Productivity Award is given annually and is sponsored by Senator Richard G. Lugar, the Indiana Manufacturers Association and the Association for Manufacturing Excellence.

Wabash National Corporation designs, manufactures, and markets standard and customized truck trailers under the Wabash(R) brand name. The Company is one of the world's largest manufacturers of truck trailers and a leading manufacturer of composite trailers. The Company's wholly owned subsidiary, Wabash National Trailer Centers, is one of the leading retail distributors of new and used trailers and aftermarket parts throughout the U.S. and Canada.


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Friday, June 25, 2004

Lean Manufacturing Software: Reporting System allows data-driven decision making.

From Industrial News Room, NY ... Assembly provides the data and tools necessary to implement and sustain initiatives such as cost reduction, lean manufacturing, six sigma quality and ...

Intelligent Assembly is the only turnkey data reporting system to collect, analyze & report the data necessary to implement and sustain continuous improvement initiatives. IA integrates directly into manual & automated processes providing detailed real-time reporting of all assembly & discrete manufacturing data. Intelligent Assembly is the only comprehensive turnkey assembly information solution on the market today. It was designed by people with years of experience in the manufacturing and assembly business to provide instant access to all of the information necessary to run an efficient assembly cell.

Lean manufacturing efforts strive to minimize any activity that does not contribute to the value of the product. Many efforts such as the organization of work cells, Kaizen, and 5S initiatives play an extremely important part to prepare for efficient manufacturing. After the physical environment is optimized for Lean manufacturing, the actual production operation becomes the greatest opportunity for improvement. Intelligent Assembly supports Lean Manufacturing initiatives by providing process efficiency data that can be used to make informed decisions, rather than guesses, on the best methods to manufacture your product. The data collection module in IA records all of the quality and timing information available in a production process (no more stopwatches necessary). In its most basic use, this data can be used to calculate instantaneous and average cycle times which can then be compared to the defined TAKT time of the process. This data can be displayed on the Cell HMI Terminal and overhead on an i-displays® LED Andon board.

Six Sigma quality: Data-driven decision making has become a key element in the continuous improvement processes of many companies. Intelligent Assembly provides the data on quality necessary to make sound process decisions and provides straightforward analyses to clarify problems and trends. SPC functionality such as real-time X - R and CpK charting can reveal troublesome trends so that corrective action can be taken before parts are rejected. Pareto Charts can identify key contributors to quality problems and rejects. Histograms of collected data provide information on distribution trends. Because all of the material, process, test and inspection data is collected, problem-solving is greatly simplified.

Intelligent Assembly requires minimal customization to fit applications in virtually any industry that employs discrete assembly or production processes. IA integrates smoothly and quickly into both automated and manual assembly cells with virtually no disruption. These systems are easy to install and operate, require minimal training, and truly bridge the information gap between factory floor realities and MRP/ERP/MES systems. Intelligent Manufacturing Solutions is an information software and hardware provider specializing in the collection and organization of data from discrete manufacturing processes. IMS provides full installation, training and support for Intelligent Assembly as well as integration of vision and other inspection systems for rapid data acquisition.

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Thursday, June 17, 2004

Kaizen 5S: 5 S's That Would Make Any CEO Happy

From Contractor Mag, United States ... Grunau did what the Japanese call a Kaizen Event where the contractor took a week to train its people and apply the Lean concepts. ...

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Sunday, May 16, 2004

Lean Manufacturing: Business week in review

From Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, PA ... Topic: "5S+1 ... In the Office", a lean manufacturing seminar with Richard Kunkle, assistant medical director, Latrobe Area Hospital and Tom Johnson of Johnson ...

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Friday, April 30, 2004

Lean Manufacturing Implementation: Solutia Announces Nylon Industrial Fiber Price Increases

From PR Newswire (press release) ... Aggressive cost reduction efforts over the past 18 months, the implementation of Lean Manufacturing principles, and stringent use of asset effectiveness ...

Sample Solutia Job Posting includes Lean Manufacturing techniques...

Plastic Products, North American Supply Manager, St. Louis, MO

Major Responsibilities: The Supply Manager is responsible for the Sales and Operations Planning Process for Plastic Products North America; scheduling the Westport facility; and developing/implementing integrated scheduling, material flow, and warehousing strategies.

S&OP
- Coordinate the Sales and Operations Planning process (S&OP) and actively participate by managing S&OP reports and running monthly S&OP meeting.
- Develop finished good inventory plans consistent with corporate inventory targets.
- Translate demand forecast and inventory plans into the Production Plan.
- Review demand, material availability, and capacity to achieve desired service levels.
- Act as consolidator of WW Supply plan in support of the Executive S&OP
Master Scheduling
- Develop processes and strategies that successfully disaggregate the production plan into an executable master production schedule.
- Simplify the Master Scheduling process to meet both front-end (Sales) and back-end (Operations) functional requirements without jeopardizing customer service/satisfaction.
- Act as liaison between production, product development, and purchasing to ensure that materials and labor are available to support revenue & inventory plan for new and existing products.
- Maintain working knowledge of latest developments in master scheduling techniques and continually evaluate and change current processes to improve schedule performance.
- Manage the master schedule, production plan, and SAP to effectively and efficiently introduce new products into production and into the supply chain.
- Maintain appropriate master data setting and creation . Includes Material master and Recipes.
Material Flow
- Develop and document lot sizing, inventory management, and warehouse stocking strategies.
- Implement best practices in material flow to better manage the movement of product through the factory.
- Perform work flow analysis and layout optimization to reduce manufacturing and order fulfillment cycle time.
- Utilize process improvement techniques such as lean manufacturing, pull systems, kanban, 5S, process mapping, value stream analysis, and setup reduction.

Qualifications/Competencies: - Bachelors degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering or other Engineering
- 2+ years experience in production environment.
- Fluent in Microsoft Access and Excel. Strong SAP skills a plus.
- Excellent analytical and problem solving skills with a solid commitment to continuous improvement and the ability to produce positive results.
- Extremely organized, detail oriented and accurate with the ability to multi-task and prioritize.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Must be an independent and creative thinker.
- APICS Certification Preferred

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Saturday, April 24, 2004

Lean Manufacturing: Trade, Terrorism discussed at candidates forum

From San Jose Mercury News, CA ... So anyone who is promising to bring back manufacturing jobs doesn't understand lean manufacturing continues quality improvement.". ...

...2004 Recipients of the 2004 Shingo Prize for Excellence in Manufacturing. Dubbed the "Nobel prize of Manufacturing" by Business Week, the Shingo Prize is increasingly being recognized as the premier manufacturing award and recognition program in North America. Nine state-level awards and a public-sector category, primarily for Military Depots doing re-manufacturing, have been implemented in recent months.

Three notable achievements of the 2004 recipients include: one, 7 of the 12 achieved product quality of less than 10 "returned parts per million opportunities" from the customer; two, 7 of the 12 have inventory turns of more than 25 per year (compared to a U.S. average of 8); and three, premium freight as a percent of production costs averaged 0.12 percent. These data cover the full-year of 2003 and are all clear indicators of world-class manufacturing achievements.

"Once again the recipients of the Shingo Prize demonstrate that they are prepared to weather economic uncertainty by not wasting precious manufacturing and business resources, "said Ross Robson, Shingo Prize executive director. "Shingo Prize recipients and lean manufacturers clearly stand out among the manufacturers of North America in terms of quality, cost, delivery and business results."

This year's Shingo Prize Recipients are:

ArvinMeritor Light Vehicle Systems Gladstone plant, Columbus, Ind. -- This facility proudly manufactures complete exhaust systems and components for today's leading car manufacturers. Through an engaged workforce of more than 700 people who are trained in lean principles, team building and employee involvement practices, substantial quality and productivity improvements have been made. Most notably, those improvements have included a decrease in customer PPMs of 72 percent since 2000, a decrease in supplier PPMs of 99 percent since 2000, a 54-percent decrease in the cost of non-quality since 2000, and an on-time delivery average of 99.9 percent since 1999.

Delphi Corporation, Delphi Electronics and Safety, Delnosa 5 & 6 Operations, Reynosa, Mexico -- Delnosa 5 & 6 manufactures over 24,000 vehicle electronics products daily for 72 customer locations in 11 countries for Delphi Corporation (NYSE: DPH - News). Delnosa's product line includes Audio, Mobile Multimedia, Telematics (interactive satellite technology), Navigation Radios, and Antenna Electronics. Delnosa also produces over 16 million molded and decorated plastic parts and assemblies each month that are used in Delphi facilities globally. In the last three years, Delnosa has increased productivity by 41%, increased inventory turns by 70%, improved first time quality by 76%, and increased asset utilization by 40%. Delnosa's 2,500 employees reached 200% participation in the employee suggestion program in 2003 and have currently worked over 22 million hours without a lost workday accident.

Delphi Electronics & Safety, Kokomo Operations, Plants 7 & 9, Kokomo, Indiana -- Kokomo Operations, Plants 7 & 9 is a vehicle electronics manufacturing facility employing over 1,100 people. These employees, represented by UAW Local 292, produce approximately 12 million units annually across four major product lines: audio components, power train controllers, inflatable restraint system electronics and electronic climate controllers. Applying the lean manufacturing concepts in the Delphi Manufacturing System, the facility has been able to achieve a third straight year of double-digit manufacturing performance, a 24% reduction in inventory, a 51% improvement in first time quality and has reached an annual shipping compliance rate approaching 100%.

Delphi Corporation, Energy & Chassis Systems, Empresas Ca-Le de Tlaxcala, Mexico -- Ca-Le is a battery manufacturing plant of 1,291,669 square feet, founded in February 1990 and located in Tetla, Tlaxcala, Mexico. Operating in a world-wide market, CALE produces two different automotive battery technologies: Hybrid (Antimony -- Calcium) and Maintenance-Free (Calcium-Calcium). Our productive headcount of 575 persons -- through the implementation of lean concepts and techniques -- work daily on EXCEEDING OUR CUSTOMERS' EXPECTATIONS. Our business results, customer satisfaction and quality of our products reflect our commitment with our employees, society and stakeholders.

Delphi Sistemas de Energia S.A. de C.V., Plt. 57; Chihuahua, Chihuahua Mexico -- Located in Chihuahua, Chihuahua Mexico since 1986 and serving 55 customers in 12 countries, Delphi Sistemas de Energia is a top of the line manufacturing organization. Here the combination of people who love their jobs, together with strong leadership, applying continuous learning and lean concepts, along with variation reduction, and defect prevention methods, have all contributed to superior satisfaction levels for customers, stakeholders and employees, creating a positive impact to the community and to the global environment.

Delphi Corporation, Packard Electric Systems. Plant 50, Del Parral Chihuahua, Mexico

Delphi's Packard Electric facility opened in February of 1998 in Hidalgo del Parral (more commonly referred to as Parral) in the southern part of Chihuahua, Mexico. The plant has 141,575 square feet of manufacturing floor space and 2,200 employees. These dedicated employees manufacture 13 families of products in 18 production lines, for 10 different General Motors assembly plants. The Parral plant produces power and signal distribution systems for the automotive industry, more commonly known as wiring harnesses. The motto at this facility is "Our people make the difference." Managers and supervisors say empowering employees and giving them opportunities make things happen. The success of this Delphi facility is attributed to its people.

Delphi Corporation, Packard Electric Systems. Plant 58, Meoqui, Chih. Mexico

The Meoqui Plant is located in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico and has been a part of Delphi Packard Electric's manufacturing footprint since 1987. The 1,800 employees at the 151,000-square-foot facility produce more than three million of wiring systems annually for several General Motors assembly plants in the United States and Canada. Employee commitment and a comprehensive implementation of the Lean-driven concepts within the Delphi Manufacturing System (DMS) have been able to drive operational improvements in cost, quality, delivery and productivity. Some of those improvements include: 20% reduction in customer complaints in 2003; 17% improvement in total cost compared to 2002; scrap reduction of 50% since 2000; first-time quality improvement 72% since 2001; and productivity increase of 35% compared to 2000.

Delphi Packard, Plant 98

Delphi Corporation, Packard Electric Systems, Centro Tecnico Herramental S.A de C.V, Ramos Arizpe, Coahuila.

With a wide variety of products and processes, CENTEC employees are flexible and skillful in successfully delivering parts to nearly 40 customers around the world. The majority of customers are in the US and Mexico, but several are also located in Europe, South America and Asia. The Delphi Manufacturing system drives the 470 CENTEC employees to continuous lean improvements. Elimination of waste, a 75-percent reduction in scrap and the Industria Limpia certification from the Mexican government for being environmentally sound are all part of the accomplishments of which CENTEC employees are very proud. Employees assemble wiring harnesses and their components and electric and electronic connectors. CENTEC now has a 0 IPM (incidents per million) on-time shipping record and have seen FTQ improve 87 percent since 1999. Continuous training of employees at all levels in daily skills and in lean implementation has led to the high quality at CENTEC.

Delphi Packard, Plant 51, Nuevo Casas Grandes Chihuahua, Mexico

Located in the PAQUIME area in the Mexican state of Chihuahua, Nuevo Casas Grandes began operations in March 1985. With strong customer-focused strategies and lean-driven concepts, this 165,000-square-foot plant builds and ships approximately 10,000,000 wiring systems annually to several General Motors vehicle assembly plants in the United States and Canada. The Casas Grandes Plant, which carries the slogan "The Best Plant by its People," has utilized the lean principles within the Delphi Manufacturing System to become one of the most successful plants in Delphi Packard's Mexico West Operations, with zero lost work days, over 80% reduction in RPPM (Rejected Parts Per Million), more than 50% reduction in Customer Complains, and 20% reduction in cost per shipped hour.

Maytag Jackson Dishwashing Products, Jackson, Tenn. -- Maytag Corporation's dishwasher plant is the first appliance manufacturer to earn the Shingo Prize. Associates belong to empowered High Performance Work Teams producing more than 100 dishwasher models daily, with brands including Maytag®, Jenn-Air® and Amana®. The Maytag LeanSigma® philosophy, which combines lean manufacturing methods with Six Sigma tools, was the path for transformation that began in 1999 and achieved significant improvements in Safety, Quality, Cost and Delivery, including a 64% reduction in OSHA recordable injury rate and 84% improvement in first pass quality yield. A very flexible single assembly line with capability to produce "any model/any day" was transformed into 8 single-piece-flow assembly cells with ability to produce "any model/any hour."

Raytheon Missile Systems, Tucson Operations, Tucson, Ariz. -- The employees at Raytheon Missile Systems proudly equip U.S. and allied warfighters with the latest technology to protect world freedom, including the Tomahawk Cruise Missile and Paveway(TM) laser guided bomb. Many of the company's products saw extensive use in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Raytheon's lean efforts have resulted in significant value improvements in product performance, stronger relationships and robust solutions for customers. Raytheon is committed to continue this journey to become a lean enterprise -- with speed, reliability and affordability -- and receiving the Shingo Prize has validated the firm's progress along the path to improvement.

TI Automotive, Cartersville, GA -- The plant produces more than 7.4 million brake and fuel bundles for Ford Motor Co. and DaimlerChrysler's Mercedes-Benz plants in both the United States and Canada. Cartersville team members operate by TI Automotive's own lean system of Common Sense Manufacturing, which is a passionate belief that there is always a simpler, better way. The plant has achieved single-digit ppm, 100 percent on time delivery and a 30 percent reduction in inventory levels. As the world's leading supplier of fluid storage, transfer and delivery systems, TI Automotive's more than 20,000 employees at 130 facilities worldwide are all dedicated to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.

Finalists

In addition to the Recipients listed, other finalists included Aspect Medical Systems, Newton, MA.; Delphi Lansing Cockpit Plant, Lansing, Mich.; Delphi Energy & Chassis, Saginaw, MI; Delphi Steering Plant 7, Saginaw, Mich.; GDX Automotive, Vehicle Sealing Products, Batesville, AR; GDX Automotive, New Haven, MO; Maytag-Searcy Laundry Products, Searcy, AR; Nemak Corporation of Canada-Windsor Aluminum Plant, Windsor, Ontario, Canada; TI Automotive, Brake Tube Assemblies, Greenville, TN. "Each of these plants are also outstanding in their manufacturing processes," according to Robson.

The Shingo Prize for Excellence in Manufacturing, for manufacturers in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, is administered by the College of Business, Utah State University. Awards for the Recipients and Finalists will be presented at the 16th Annual Shingo Prize Conference and Awards Ceremony to be held May 20, 2004, at the Lexington Convention Center, Lexington, KY. Speakers will include Gary Convis, President, Toyota Motor, Georgetown, KY and Masaaki Imai, Founder and Chairman, Kaizen, Institute, Tokyo, Japan, among others. For more information, go to www.shingoprize.org.

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Sunday, April 11, 2004

Lean Kaizen: New LEI Workbook Tackles Lean Production Control and System ...

From PRNewswire (press release) ... This is a new step towards 'system kaizen' that is not yet well ... Or they focus on "flow kaizen" that improves the entire value stream for one product family. ...

... Creating Level Pull, the new workbook from the Lean Enterprise Institute (LEI), shows readers how to advance a lean transformation from a focus on isolated improvements to improving the entire plantwide production system by implementing a lean production control system.

"The workbook is unique because it is a step-by-step case study on how to implement a level, pull-based production control system," said author Art Smalley. "This is a new step towards 'system kaizen' that is not yet well understood outside of Toyota."

The lean efforts at most companies focus on "point kaizen" (e.g., reducing setup times, implementing 5S, etc.) that improves a small portion of the value stream running from raw materials to finished products. Or they focus on "flow kaizen" that improves the entire value stream for one product family.

Creating Level Pull shows how companies can make the leap to "system kaizen" by introducing a lean production control system that ties together the flows of information and materials supporting every product family in a facility.

With this system implemented, each production activity requests precisely the materials it needs from the previous activity and demand from the customer is leveled to smooth production activities throughout the plant...

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Wednesday, April 07, 2004

Reach the Sixth Sigma: 5S System...

5S is a system to reduce waste and optimize productivity through maintaining an orderly workplace and using visual cues to achieve more consistent operational results. The 5S pillars, Sort (Seiri), Set in Order (Seiton), Shine (Seiso), Standardize (Seiketsu), and Sustain (Shitsuke), provide a method for organizing, cleaning, developing, and sustaining a productive work environment.

In the daily work of a company, routines that maintain organization and orderliness are essential to a smooth and efficient flow of activities. This lean method encourages workers to improve their working conditions and facilitates their efforts to reduce waste, unplanned downtime, and in-process inventory. 5S provides the foundation on which other lean methods, such as TPM, cellular manufacturing, just-in-time production, and Six Sigma, can be introduced...


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