Kaizen
Kaizen Event Reduces Transport Waste & Optimizes Efficiency
I was recently brought in to assist in a Lean event for a large manufacturing facility, with the goal of eliminating waste, and completing the implementation of Lean strategies. The facility had already begun the process over the past 18 months, and had done quite an impressive job. When they consulted with me, I was…
Tony Ferraro | January 2, 2014 | Kaizen | Facility Efficiency, Kaizen, Lean Manufacturing
Chaku Chaku & Other Lean Terms You Should Know
We’re constantly told that change is a good thing, and, depending on the details of your current operation, most lean experts would also agree with that sentiment. Take the concept of Kaizen, for example. Kaizen is the environment of constant improvement and elimination of waste – in both time and materials – that lean operations…
Tony Ferraro | November 11, 2013 | Lean | Chaku Chaku, Kaizen, Lean, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma
PDCA: How Can this Tool Help You?
You may have heard of PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act), but how much do your really know and understand about it? Have you tried using this method in the past? Was it successful? If it wasn’t successful, what may have contributed towards its ineffectiveness? These are some questions you should ask yourself before making a true, valiant effort…
Tony Ferraro | September 3, 2013 | Lean | Continuous Improvement, Facility Efficiency, Gemba, Kaizen, Lean Manufacturing
Talking Kaizen and Lean with Mark Hamel
Mark Hamel In this week’s interview, we are highlighting the expertise of Mark Hamel, a leader in lean and six sigma implementation, as well as an established author and blogger. He authored a book entitled, “Kaizen Event Fieldbook” and is an avid blogger for kaizenfieldbook.com. In this interview he answers questions related to Kaizen and Lean…
Tony Ferraro | August 12, 2013 | Kaizen | Continuous Improvement, Healthcare, Kaizen, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma
Going Lean: Five Common Misunderstandings
The practice of implementing lean is becoming increasingly popular and it looks like lean might be here to stay. However, it is important to remember that lean isn’t just a quick fix or “extra” program. Instead, implementing a true lean mindset takes time. When lean is done correctly, it will help your business to grow…
Tony Ferraro | July 29, 2013 | Lean | 5S, Continuous Improvement, Healthcare, Kaizen, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma
The Skepticism of Kaizen
Kaizen continues to gain momentum as an exceptional tool for continuous improvement within many different employment sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, business management, etc. However, despite a positive track record the Japanese derived term “Kaizen” still comes under harsh criticism from many employees and managers alike. Many people just don’t believe such radical changes can…
Tony Ferraro | June 24, 2013 | Kaizen | Kaizen
10 Continuous Improvement Strategies that Work!
Continuous improvement is the task of frequently seeking out ways to improve processes, products, or services. However, it is important to remember that persistence and perseverance are vital when it comes to the ongoing and ever-changing task of continuous improvement. For instance, when cell phones first came out they were oversized, bulky, offered less than…
Mike Wilson | April 17, 2013 | Safety Solutions | 5S, Continuous Improvement, Kaizen, Kanban, Lean Manufacturing, Organized Workplace, Six Sigma, Tool Organization
Value Stream Mapping
Value stream mapping is a technique which is commonly used to analyze and design the flow of materials or information that is required to move a product from conception to the hands of a customer. It is an important part of the lean manufacturing process and when done properly can help increase the efficiency of…
Mike Wilson | February 25, 2013 | Value Stream | 5S, Kaizen, Lean Manufacturing, Value Stream, Value Stream Mapping
How to introduce Kaizen philosophy in education?
Kaizen philosophy can be introduced to improve your personal life, public life and workplace. It can be effectively implemented in education as well to get great benefits in the overall development of the student and the school as well. Kaizen is the most important strategy that was adapted by Japanese in every walk of life.…
Mike Wilson | November 12, 2012 | Kaizen | Continuous Improvement, Kaizen
Kaizen – An Organizations Journey towards Perfection
Quality and productivity in an ideal situation should always go hand in hand. However, where there is a pressure to perform they are always pitted against each other. Business managers are always under a lot of pressure to hit targets and increase their output; this has a resultant effect of compromised productivity. Customers, due to…
Mike Wilson | October 29, 2012 | Kaizen | Continuous Improvement, Kaizen, Lean Manufacturing
Which Way to Turn on the Lean Road?
You hop in your car and get moving. You’ve got to get from Boston to New York, but your car is on fire. You haven’t had a drink of water in two days, and your fuel gauge is low. Oh, and where is your roadmap? Sounds like a fun trip, doesn’t it? So, which problem…
Mike Wilson | September 25, 2012 | Lean | 5S, Kaizen, Kanban, Lean Manufacturing
An Overview on Kaizen Techniques
Kaizen refers to betterment and continuous improvement in any area of process like manufacturing, business, nursing, management, etc. There are two elements of Kaizen: improvement and continuity. Successful implementation of this technique requires the contribution of all the workers in an organization. Every member has to be the asset of the organization. The use of…
Mike Wilson | September 20, 2012 | Kaizen | Continuous Improvement, Kaizen
3 Tips to Help Develop a Strong Lean Culture in Your Workplace
Attempting to implement and sustain any new plan, including Lean, in a factory or even an office can meet a lot of resistance or bitterness, depending on the climate of your work environment and the attitudes of your employees or coworkers. Management almost always needs to be involved and educated on both the production processes…
Mike Wilson | September 4, 2012 | Lean | Continuous Improvement, Kaizen, Lean Culture, Lean Manufacturing
Different Options in Safety Line Marking Materials
Safety floor marking in any industrial facility can attract your attention since these are specifically regulated to do so. These markings are meant to promote safety and good working conditions as a part of the company’s 5s or Kaizen program that aim to improve business and the workplace by dealing with things like waste reduction,…
Mike Wilson | September 3, 2012 | Floor Marking | 5S, Facility Marking, Floor Marking, Kaizen, OSHA, Safety, Workplace Safety
3P Lean : Exploring the Production Preparation Process
In relation to modern management systems, especially lean, the amount of components that go into it are almost innumerable. Although I am much more familiar with 5S, kaizen, and many of the other integral building blocks of the total lean package, I have to say that I am enjoying reading up on the more obscure…
Mike Wilson | August 28, 2012 | Lean | 5S, Kaizen, Lean Manufacturing