In this episode, I discuss a project I'm really excited about, the 2nd book release in the Lean Six Sigma for Good book series. This is the 2nd collection of real-life experiences and stories from Lean and Six Sigma practitioners who have spent time at the "gemba" with not-for-profit organizations. They have generously offered to write a chapter about lessons learned and tools they have applied. There are 8 chapters in total. Joe Wojniak and Lynn McCullough: Improving Thrift Shop Donations (interview with authors) - Proceeds donated to TRU Community Care Tim Turner: Helping Others By Followin ..read more

In this episode, I discuss two acronyms to help you remember ideas on how you can improve a process. ECRS stands for Eliminate, Combine, Rearrange, and Simplify. SPACER stands for Standardize, Parallel processing, Automate, Consolidate, Eliminate and Re-arrange. I also mention SCAMPER, which is similar to these, and stands for Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Purpose, Eliminate and Reverse. Links ECRS SPACER/SCAMPER Learn more about the Lean Six Sigma Virtual Coaching and Certification Program Need help in your organization? Let's talk! Schedule a free support call BIZ-PI.com LeanSixSigmaD ..read more

In this episode, I discuss Action Priority (AP), a newer method for determining which risks from an FMEA should be addressed. Traditionally, the multiplication of Severity, Occurrence and Detection was used to calculate a Risk Priority Number (RPN). Any number over a certain RPN threshold required action to reduce the risk.  Action Priority gives three possible outcome for each risk identified: Low, Medium and High, which can make it easier to decide which RPN scores are more important than others. I also discuss the troubles I've had using a RPN threshold with FMEA teams, as they tend to ..read more

In this episode, I explain a new virtual coaching program I'm launching in January of 2023.  If you or your team would be interested in completing some online Lean or Six Sigma training, completing a kaizen event or a Six Sigma project, and obtaining a certification, I have three approaches that might work for you at different price points: Do It With Me (Coaching) – We work closely with you to keep you on track with the training, and we help you with your Six Sigma project or Lean event over a 4-month period. Best combination of self-learning and mentoring. Do It Yourself (DIY) – You co ..read more

In this episode, I explain what a "single-stall production system" means, and why it is superior to the traditional single piece flow assembly line. Single-stall is a method of work where one highly skilled worker is trained to perform all steps of the process by themselves (often in one stall to reduce floor space), instead of handing off the work to multiple workers in an assembly line. It can take months or years to develop their skills so they can perform each step at high quality, but it can be the most efficient way to complete a process from beginning to completion. I share a link to ..read more

In this episode, I read off an article I just wrote, based on my 20+ years of teaching Lean concepts and principles. These are the topics that get the most attention, solicit the most questions, or are the most eye-opening for my students and clients.  I also announce the launch of a new Lean course I helped create, called Lean Fundamentals. You can access the FREE Lean Introduction course (first 5 modules) using coupon code "KICKSTARTLEAN-LSSE" Links LinkedIn article: Lean  Lean Introduction course (Free) Lean Fundamentals course ($249 USD) Need help in your organization? Let's tal ..read more

In this episode, I share the audio from a recent video I created. The short video highlights four different industry case studies applying Lean principles and concepts. The 4 organizations highlighted in the video: Omark Industries (Manufacturing) - Learn more at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lean_manufacturing Appvion (Manufacturing) - featured in the book Lean CEO at https://amzn.to/3QQjNiV City of Denver Colorado (Government) - Details available in this video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puaT1KBY7Pg Virginia Mason Institute (Healthcare) - More details available at https://www.virgini ..read more

In this episode, I share the audio from a recent video I created. The short video highlights four different examples of nonprofits and NGOs applying Lean principles and concepts to social challenges in the local community. I also announce our new Lean courses: Lean Introduction and Lean Fundamentals. The Lean Introduction course can be accessed for free using coupon code "KICKSTARTLEAN-LSSE" The 4 nonprofits highlighted in the video: St. Bernard Project (New Orleans, LA) Learn more at https://planet-lean.com/lean-construction-new-orleans-katrina/ Food Bank For New York CityLearn more at https ..read more

In this episode, I read off a recent article I wrote, breaking down the turnover data from the University of Iowa 2021 football season. I explain how I would evaluate their data using categorization and Pareto charts to identify more opportunities to create more turnovers against their opponents, or reduce the number of turnovers caused, which will increase their chance of winning games. Links Hawks Good at Turnovers, But Can Do Better Need help in your organization? Let's talk! Schedule a free support call BIZ-PI.com LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com Have a question? Submit a voice message at Ancho ..read more

In this episode, I read off an article I wrote back a few years, about how the 5S workplace organization methods compare to the popular home organizing methods of Marie Kondo, developer of the KonMari method, which had become popular through her books and Netflix TV show. There are other links embedded within the article. Links Article: 5S and the KonMari method Need help in your organization? Let's talk! Schedule a free support call BIZ-PI.com LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/mes ..read more