Incremental:
The Continuous Improvement Podcast Episode 17. Process Vs Operation, what does this really mean?
Apr 12, 2023
Uriel and Devin dive into the intriguing distinction between processes and operations, crucial to methodologies like Lean manufacturing and the Toyota Production System. They explore how historical definitions blur this crucial separation and discuss practical barriers to implementing single-piece flow. The conversation highlights the importance of scheduling time for improvements and the rapid payback of small fixes. They also touch on brand strategy and the concept of single sources of truth in tool and job management.
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Production As Networked Processes
- Shigeo Shingo reframes production as a network of processes, not just visible operations.
- Zooming out to processes enables dramatic gains like non-stock production and large profit increases.
Operations Versus Processes Distinction
- Operations are the visible steps that change a part; processes are the end-to-end flows that deliver finished goods.
- Improving operations alone can miss system-level waste like storage, transport, and lead time.
Map Value Stream To Expose Waiting
- Do value-stream mapping to quantify active value-add time versus lead time.
- Use that gap to identify batch delays and waiting that single-station fixes won't solve.