Month: January 2019

Jan 31 2019 2019-01-31 2019-01-16 NoComment by Andreas

In the words of Shigeo Shingo

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In the world of Lean, Shigeo Shingo is a superstar. It is not hard to find wisdom in his writings. Here are two gems that I think are very inspirational.

“Lean is not so much about eliminating waste, it is about finding waste.”

Shigeo Shingo

To me, Shingo is saying that the acts of eliminating waste must be based on the proper understanding of waste, where to find it and how to see it. Figuring out where you want or need to go is just as important is starting the journey to implement the changes.

“There are four purposes of improvement, easier, better, faster and cheaper. These four appear in the order of priority.”

Shingeo Shingo

This, in my humble opinion, is something extremely important. Many get stuck in the money-saving aspect of lean, and it is least important purpose. Spending your energy on the other purposes will doubtless get you the savings over time.


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Jan 29 2019 2019-01-29 2019-01-16 NoComment by Andreas

Value Stream: Necessary Non Value Adding

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The last part in this short series is about Necessary Non Value Adding.

Necessary but non-value adding. In Value Stream Mapping something that will not add value for the customer in itself but still is necessary to keep production going.

In future articles we will be delving deeper into the tool and art of Value Stream Mapping but for now this short introduction will have to suffice. All the definitions can be found in the Terminology section.


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Jan 27 2019 2019-01-27 2019-01-16 NoComment by Andreas

Value Stream: Non Value Adding

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The fourth part of the series is about Non Value Adding.

Non-value adding. In Value Stream Mapping, something that will note add value for the customer and should be removed to eliminate waste in the process.


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Jan 25 2019 2019-01-25 2019-01-16 NoComment by Andreas

Value Stream: Value Adding

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The next three parts in the series will be about value stream categorizing starting with Value Adding.

Value adding. In Value Stream Mapping, something that creates value for the customer. I production, something that adds to the actual product.


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Jan 23 2019 2019-01-23 2019-01-16 NoComment by Andreas

Value Stream Mapping

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Next up in the series is the definition of Value Stream Mapping.

It is the process of mapping out and visualizing the flow of material through the Value Stream. This in turn can be used to analyze and optimize the Value Stream.


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Jan 21 2019 2019-01-21 2019-01-16 NoComment by Andreas

Value Stream

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Starting of a short series on the value stream, first up is the definition of the word Value Stream.

A value stream is all actions and processes that lead from material to finished product. Where value is created for the customer.


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Jan 19 2019 2019-01-19 2019-01-15 NoComment by Andreas

In the words of Taiichi Ohno

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I have found a few quotes from Taiichi Ohno that I think capture some important points.

“We are all human and we are wrong half the time.”

Taiichi Ohno

This is something important to keep in mind. For me it also symbolizes that it is human to err and no one makes mistakes willingly, but it happens. What we take from it and how we move on is what is important.

“No problem is a problem.”

Taiichi Ohno

This is a short gem but with a powerful core. There are always problems to work on and to improve, if you don’t see any you might not have the right eyes and the right mindset.

“Understanding is my favorite word. I believe it has a specific meaning – to approach an object positively and comprehend its nature.”

Taiichi Ohno

Lastly, this! It elegantly captures my own drive for knowledge and wisdom.To enter every situation like a puzzle you are looking forward to discover and understand.


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Jan 17 2019 2019-01-17 2019-01-09 NoComment by Andreas

5S: Shitsuke

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Today a new word was added to the terminology section. Shitsuke, the last step of 5S.

Shitsuke:

The fifth step of 5S, can be translated to “discipline” but is often used as “sustain”. It is about about building a culture and process where the first four S’s are maintained. Shitsuke if achieved only where when maintaining 5S has become a habit and not a struggle.


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Jan 15 2019 2019-01-15 2019-01-09 NoComment by Andreas

5S: Seiketsu

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Today a new word was added to the terminology section. Seiketsu, the fourth step of 5S.

Seiketsu:
The fourth step of 5S, often translated as “standardize”. It is about maintaining a standard for the first three steps. In a way it is about creating and auditing standards but not litteraly about the act of creating standards itself.


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Jan 13 2019 2019-01-13 2019-01-09 NoComment by Andreas

5S: Seiso

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Today a new word was added to the terminology section. Seiso, the third step of 5S

Seiso:
The third step of 5S, literally means “cleaning”. It is about getting the workplace clean an tidy. A common misconception is that Seiso is just cleaning itself. Think of it as creating a basis for keeping a clean workplace by eliminating sources of dirt and grime.


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