Six Sigma is quality. Lean is speed. The synergy of both is the most powerful engine available today to sustained value creation. Six Sigma was developed as a quality improvement system by Motorola and gained widespread traction in the 2000's with high profile adoptions by General Electric, Honeywell, and others. Lean originated out of the Toyota Production … [Read more...]
A value stream map is a tool used in lean manufacturing to identify and communicate the value-producing processes within a factory. Value stream maps utilize a standard set of industry recognized symbols to map out the plant's processes, from raw material to finished product. Value stream maps are used to improve the plant's processes, perform continuous … [Read more...]
Value stream maps are diagrams used in lean manufacturing which identify each step of the manufacturing process. They are used to determine the value stream, that is, the steps that result in the creation of value. Their purpose is to visualize the manufacturing process so that anything that is not necessary to create the product of value can be … [Read more...]
The definition of genius is taking the complex and making it simple. - Albert Einstein I have good news for you. If you are in the manufacturing business, you can become a genius today, right now. The shop floor can be a complex maze of raw materials moving in interlocking production lines, stations with varying cycle times, supply needs, and manpower … [Read more...]
If there is one enemy of business success, it is this: Wastefulness, inefficiency, and uselessness. This is the definition of the japanese word muda, a household name in lean manufacturing circles but an infinitely valuable one for every business professional who learns to root out and destroy this sprouting cancer at every available opportunity. In lean … [Read more...]
