Category: Lean

Quantifying Lean Six Sigma impact across any project can be a challenging prospect. You need to prove to stakeholders and management that the investment has been worth the time and effort expended. When taking on any sort of initiative, it helps to have support for future projects. The immediate effects of this might […]

If you jump back in time to the 1940s, Toyota was seeking ways to manage better and control the work taking place at each step of the manufacturing process. The idea behind Kanban came from Toyota, while other companies adopted a work management process that focuses heavily on visualizing work, including how to […]

Originating from the Japanese term “Gembutsu,” “Gemba Walk” is essentially a lean management practice that has an organization’s leadership visiting the “actual place” where work is done. This might be a factory or an office, but the goal is to give company leadership an inside view of how things are going, as well […]

What data visualization tools are you leveraging for Lean Six Sigma? Lean Six Sigma relies heavily on the interpretation and use of data to make the most of your decision-making process. Looking at hard numbers on a computer screen can be a bit daunting, however. Ultimately, you’re looking to present the data in […]

When an organization or group is looking to roll out a Lean Six Sigma program, it’s a good reminder to consider that this combines two very powerful process improvement methodologies. No matter the industry, Lean will play its role as it looks to reduce overall waste, while Six Sigma focuses heavily on reducing […]

When you think about the world of business and how complicated the number of roles can be, it comes as no surprise that silos are a very real concern. In today’s world, it also won’t come as any surprise to learn that businesses need to respond to the changing environment around them, including […]

Promoting employee engagement while going through the cycle of process improvements doesn’t seem like something that is generally done. However, you can actively engage your employees throughout all steps of the process. This has tangible benefits, as your employees feel involved in the entire cycle of process improvements. Lean Six Sigma is a […]

It shouldn’t be surprising that the amount of data available has grown exponentially in a digitized world. As a result, process methodologies like Lean Six Sigma have become cornerstones across any organization looking to improve its processes, find more efficiency, and eliminate as much waste as possible to increase the bottom line.  In […]

How do you navigate the generational skills divide? Workforces aren’t hired in a vacuum. At the end of the day, you’ll have to contend with workers and team members from all walks of life, including all ages. Now, this can be a blessing in itself, as you can draw from different perspectives and […]

Have you wondered how some of the best-known startups have scaled up so efficiently? There is a pretty good answer to this question, and it’s generally through Lean Methodology. Companies that have embraced this methodology worldwide have given rise to a whole new way for entrepreneurs to scale their businesses early in their […]

Lean Six Sigma and diversity are natural partners when looking at continuing current efforts or even starting brand-new projects. There is something to be said about what diversity brings to the table in a grander scope. Diversity is a wonderful thing, and something worth integrating into any workforce on a larger scale. So, […]

The future of Lean Six Sigma is looking brighter than ever. Technological changes are nothing new, especially when we consider the rapid advancements in computing just over the last 40 years. That said, business methodologies and philosophies have to change right alongside things to make a difference. Lean Six Sigma is highly adaptable, […]

One of the biggest challenges any company faces is employee turnover. Depending on the company’s size, the time and resources spent hiring, training, and upskilling employees and then having to do it again when an employee leaves can add up. For this reason, many organizations are looking at how they can combat employee […]

How do you build a customer-centric organization? When we focus on the methodologies, technology, and processes hard at work, we lose sight of how to make an organization work first for customers. However, customers are vital to any organization’s well-being, as they drive market trends and ultimately dictate what we make. With that […]

Lean Six Sigma and Agile make for a potent combination when deployed in several different environments. However, one area where you can leverage this powerful combination for exemplary results is in software development. Software development is a tricky business sector to hem in, thanks in part to the actively shifting targeted goals of […]

Lean Six Sigma in agriculture might just be the transformation needed for the world’s food supply. When you get right down to it, agriculture as a whole isn’t too different compared to the likes of manufacturing. You have all the hallmarks of your standard production line, with shareholders, inputs, suppliers, and so forth, […]

Quality is one of those words and concepts that have many meanings. Let’s review the concept and discuss the different definitions associated with the term. It refers to the degree of excellence or superiority of something, often concerning its intended purpose or function. Further, it is a measure of how well something meets its specifications […]

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global operations, forcing organizations to reevaluate traditional business practices and adapt to an unpredictable environment. Lean Six Sigma (LSS), a methodology focused on reducing waste and improving quality, has proven to be a critical tool in navigating these challenges. By emphasizing data-driven decision-making, continuous improvement, and flexibility, Lean […]

Introduction Lean Six Sigma and Agile are two powerful methodologies widely used to improve processes and deliver value. While they originate from different domains, Lean Six Sigma focuses on reducing waste and improving quality, and Agile emphasizes flexibility and iterative development. Their integration offers organizations a dynamic framework for process improvement. Together, they […]

In today’s business environment, sustainability has become a critical focus for organizations aiming to reduce their environmental footprint while maintaining profitability. One of the most effective frameworks for achieving this balance is Lean Six Sigma (LSS), a methodology rooted in continuous improvement, waste reduction, and efficiency. By integrating Lean Six Sigma principles with […]

Background At Apex Tools (fictional name), a mid-sized supplier of specialized mechanical components, inventory management and safety concerns had long been interwoven issues. As demand surged, materials flowed continuously into the warehouse, often in excessive amounts, cluttering aisles and creating unsafe conditions. This surplus inventory led to various issues: obsolescence, shrinkage, and frequent safety hazards […]

The Harada method helps individuals achieve self-reliance, which in turn facilitates a company’s process improvement journey. This week’s article provides an overview of the method and its genesis. Part Two of this article presents five templates to use to plan a goal, measure the goal’s progress, and assess success. No matter its size, an organization is driven by […]

The Toyota Production System (TPS) serves as the foundation for Lean Manufacturing. Let’s explore this powerful method for improving your processes.  The Toyota Production System (TPS) is a manufacturing philosophy and a set of management practices developed by the Toyota Motor Corporation. It emphasizes continuous improvement, just-in-time production, and efficient use of resources, […]

Lean management – often called “Lean Management,” “The Toyota Way” or simply “Lean” – is a systematic method for waste minimization and process improvement in any type of service or manufacturing