Lean Six Sigma Bursts

In this episode, I provide some tips on how to close out a project or improvement effort, when the primary metric may longer than a year before you might be able to see tangible results. I also discuss other things you can do to prove in the short term that your improvements will be effective in the long run. Links Need help in your organization? Let's talk! Schedule a free support call BIZ-PI.com LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm

In this episode, I discuss a project I'm really excited about, the 2nd book release in the Lean Six Sigma for Good book series. This is the 2nd collection of real-life experiences and stories from Lean and Six Sigma practitioners who have spent time at the "gemba" with not-for-profit organizations. They have generously offered to write a chapter about lessons learned and tools they have applied. There are 8 chapters in total. Joe Wojniak and Lynn McCullough: Improving Thrift Shop Donations (interview with authors) - Proceeds donated to TRU Community Care Tim Turner: Helping Others By Following The Toyota Way (podcast interview with Tim) - Proceeds donated to Center for Quality People and Organizations (CQPO) Douglas Cooper: Lessons from Liberia – Standard Work as the Foundation for Lean Practices - Proceeds donated to Mercy Corps Anita Havemann: Reducing Time and Complexity in Nonprofit Accounting - Proceeds donated to Relay Resources Steve Bell: Simple Framework for Complex Problems - Proceeds donated to Lean4NGO.org lisabeth Swan: Leaning into the Mission of Childcare (podcast interview with Elisabeth) - Proceeds donated to Cape Cod Children’s Place Tracy O’Rourke: Increasing Meals Per Hour with Kitchens for Good (podcast interview with Tracy) - Proceeds donated to Kitchens for Good Joy E. Mason: Using Six Sigma to Address Racial Equity (podcast interview with Joy) - Proceeds donated to The Six Sigma Racial Equity Institute I think this is a great book to share with potential volunteers, or nonprofits or public service agencies wanting to learn more about how Lean or Six Sigma can be applied to their organizations. Links Learn more about Lean Six Sigma for Good: Lessons from the Gemba (Volume 2) Check out Lean Six Sigma for Good: Lessons from the Gemba (Volume 1) from back in 2019 Need help in your organization? Let's talk! Schedule a free support call BIZ-PI.com LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm

In this episode, I discuss two acronyms to help you remember ideas on how you can improve a process. ECRS stands for Eliminate, Combine, Rearrange, and Simplify. SPACER stands for Standardize, Parallel processing, Automate, Consolidate, Eliminate and Re-arrange. I also mention SCAMPER, which is similar to these, and stands for Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Purpose, Eliminate and Reverse. Links ECRS SPACER/SCAMPER Learn more about the Lean Six Sigma Virtual Coaching and Certification Program Need help in your organization? Let's talk! Schedule a free support call BIZ-PI.com LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm

In this episode, I discuss Action Priority (AP), a newer method for determining which risks from an FMEA should be addressed. Traditionally, the multiplication of Severity, Occurrence and Detection was used to calculate a Risk Priority Number (RPN). Any number over a certain RPN threshold required action to reduce the risk.  Action Priority gives three possible outcome for each risk identified: Low, Medium and High, which can make it easier to decide which RPN scores are more important than others. I also discuss the troubles I've had using a RPN threshold with FMEA teams, as they tend to score just below the threshold intentionally. Links Action Priority Lookup Tables (Excel) FMEA Tables with Scoring Matrices (Excel) Learn more about the Lean Six Sigma Virtual Coaching and Certification Program Need help in your organization? Let's talk! Schedule a free support call BIZ-PI.com LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm

In this episode, I explain a new virtual coaching program I'm launching in January of 2023.  If you or your team would be interested in completing some online Lean or Six Sigma training, completing a kaizen event or a Six Sigma project, and obtaining a certification, I have three approaches that might work for you at different price points: Do It With Me (Coaching) – We work closely with you to keep you on track with the training, and we help you with your Six Sigma project or Lean event over a 4-month period. Best combination of self-learning and mentoring. Do It Yourself (DIY) – You complete the training and project/event primarily by yourself, with a few hours of our support. Lowest cost option but requires self-discipline. Do It For Me (Consulting) – We take the lead on your Six Sigma project or Lean event, and coach/mentor you as needed, with focus on getting tangible results as quickly as possible. Most expensive but effective option. Links Learn more about the Lean Six Sigma Virtual Coaching and Certification Program Need help in your organization? Let's talk! Schedule a free support call BIZ-PI.com LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm

In this episode, I explain what a "single-stall production system" means, and why it is superior to the traditional single piece flow assembly line. Single-stall is a method of work where one highly skilled worker is trained to perform all steps of the process by themselves (often in one stall to reduce floor space), instead of handing off the work to multiple workers in an assembly line. It can take months or years to develop their skills so they can perform each step at high quality, but it can be the most efficient way to complete a process from beginning to completion. I share a link to an article I wrote below, and in the episode I explain the videos in the article that better explain the difference between single-stalls and assembly lines. Links Single-stall Production Systems Need help in your organization? Let's talk! Schedule a free support call BIZ-PI.com LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm

Discover why one-piece flow trumps batching and how kanban can transform your inventory control. Dive into the importance of engaging employees with daily improvements and respecting their expertise. Learn about the power of andon systems to tackle issues promptly, and understand that every problem represents an opportunity, not blame. Explore the concept of takt time for balancing workloads, and find out how Kaizen events can accelerate change. Plus, hear why managers should solve problems where they occur for real impact.

In this episode, I share the audio from a recent video I created. The short video highlights four different industry case studies applying Lean principles and concepts. The 4 organizations highlighted in the video: Omark Industries (Manufacturing) - Learn more at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lean_manufacturing Appvion (Manufacturing) - featured in the book Lean CEO at https://amzn.to/3QQjNiV City of Denver Colorado (Government) - Details available in this video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puaT1KBY7Pg Virginia Mason Institute (Healthcare) - More details available at https://www.virginiamasoninstitute.org/resource/surgical-setup-reduction-improves-patient-outcomes/ Links Video: Lean Case Studies Across Different Industries - Manufacturing, Government and Healthcare Free Lean Introduction course - Use coupon code "KICKSTARTLEAN-LSSE" at checkout Need help in your organization? Let's talk! Schedule a free support call BIZ-PI.com LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm

In this episode, I share the audio from a recent video I created. The short video highlights four different examples of nonprofits and NGOs applying Lean principles and concepts to social challenges in the local community. I also announce our new Lean courses: Lean Introduction and Lean Fundamentals. The Lean Introduction course can be accessed for free using coupon code "KICKSTARTLEAN-LSSE" The 4 nonprofits highlighted in the video: St. Bernard Project (New Orleans, LA) Learn more at https://planet-lean.com/lean-construction-new-orleans-katrina/ Food Bank For New York City Learn more at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EedMmMedj3M Free Geek (Portland, OR) Learn more at http://www.sustainableengineer.org/free-geek-named-2021-excellence-in-sustainable-development-award-winner/ Project C.U.R.E. (Houston, TX) Learn more at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIXDQAUSJD0 Links Video: Applying Lean Thinking and Process Improvement to Nonprofits and NGOs Case Studies LeanSixSigmaforGood.com - Case studies of nonprofits and governments applying Lean and Six Sigma for the greater good Free Lean Introduction course - Use coupon code "KICKSTARTLEAN-LSSE" at checkout Need help in your organization? Let's talk! Schedule a free support call BIZ-PI.com LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm

In this episode, I read off a recent article I wrote, breaking down the turnover data from the University of Iowa 2021 football season. I explain how I would evaluate their data using categorization and Pareto charts to identify more opportunities to create more turnovers against their opponents, or reduce the number of turnovers caused, which will increase their chance of winning games. Links Hawks Good at Turnovers, But Can Do Better Need help in your organization? Let's talk! Schedule a free support call BIZ-PI.com LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm