A Lean Production Implementation Managers Reflections

Below are three issues that seem to repeat during discussions and presentations about implementing Lean Production.

1. Accelerating Lean and Six Sigma thinking
2. Fostering a spirit of excitement in your department about Lean and Six Sigma
3. Clarifying key roles in Lean and Six Sigma to personnel

The list below are some of the enablers and tools for dealing with the issues.  Eventually each of the items will have examples and links to reference materials that will aid the newcomer and the veteran.

1. Training and Education of Leaders
   • Pre/Post Testing as a method for baselining organizational knowledge
     • an example based on one used at a well known manufacturer (MS WORD format)
   • Leaders at all levels
   • More than orientation, establish a curriculum and minimum standard
   • Visible, conspicuous participation

    

2. Get Experienced Help
   • Look inside
   • Look outside
     • Partners
     • Suppliers
     • Consultants
   • Beware of one-workshop-wonders

    

3. Plan For Success
   • Target high-profile, high success areas
   • Staff with high potentials

    

4. Kaizen Workshops
   • Preparation
   • Local ownership
   • Facilitation
   • Celebration
   • Follow-up

    

5. Promotion
   • Communication of the vision and goals followed by immediate action
     • Get the message to the people
   • Continuous education
   • Model lines and shops
     • Small Parts Cell
     • Moving assembly line
   • Engage and involve suppliers, customers, academia, and general public

    

6. Benchmarking/Best and Worst Practices
   • Partners
   • Suppliers
   • Others on the Journey