We use a distinctly hands-on approach. Lean enterprise methods are easy enough to learn. Successful implementation is another thing altogether. That requires hard work, discipline, follow-through and ongoing attention. A simple training model isn't adequate (you know....train all the troops in basic lean methods and hope they figure out how to apply them). On-site coaching and counseling and real-time education and training is the key.
Here's how we go about it.
Gathering Information
First, we gather information about your organization. We take the trouble to talk with you and your employees about the business. We ask names and give our own. We also tell workers and managers what we're doing. (Few things make workers more nervous that a stranger running around the shop floor with a pencil and pad.) We find out what you're already doing well and what you need to work on. We learn something about the culture of your business. We design an approach that addresses your specific circumstances, so it's important that we get to know a lot about your circumstances.
Leadership Planning
Next, we work with you to develop a plan and a calendar. And metrics to keep track of progress. We know lean but you know your business. We have to collaborate on a plan that everybody buys into. We do this in a series of half-day planning sessions. We present our findings and recommendations. Then we talk with you about those findings and recommendations.
Taking Action
Then come the actual improvement initiatives. 5S. Setup time reduction. Manufacturing cells. Error-proofing. Standardized work instructions. Pull systems. And more. What we do depends on what we find and what you're ready for. But there's no cookie cutter approach. It's all designed with you, for your unique operations. Every business doesn't need manufacturing cells. Some businesses need lots of 5S (some need lots and lots!). Others...not so much. Some operations have already paid lots of attention to set up time reduction. Others...not so much. The specific improvement initiatives we employ and the schedule with which we roll them out will differ with each company.
Evaluation
Finally, there is evaluation, assessment, and continual improvement. We look at the metrics with you to decide if the lean methods are helping the business get better.
Four stages to success. It's not rocket science. But if was easy, everybody would be doing it. We'll help you through the rough parts. We'll help you be successful.
Can we skip steps? After all, why not cut right to the chase?
In a word...no. There are no short cuts and no quick fixes. Many have tried the "get right to the 5S and creating manufacturing cells" approach. Nearly all of them have failed. Our approach is proven. Four steps to success.
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