February 2008 | Page 3 of 3

Value Stream Mapping Overview

By Ron Pereira - February 8th, 2008

One of, if not the single most powerful lean tool available to us is value stream mapping (VSM). The reason it’s so powerful is because of its relevancy. You see, it doesn’t matter if you are an accountant who sits behind a

101 Kaizen Templates: Changeover Analysis

By Jon Miller - February 7th, 2008

There are many common non-lean behaviors such as local optimization, batch work, and building up inventory. Creating WIP lengthens cycle time, worsens quality, builds up barriers between processes and people contributes to late deliver

Long Live the King (Cash)

By Ron Pereira - February 7th, 2008

If you are involved with a for-profit business in any way please remember one thing – cash is king. Of course respecting people is absolutely critical. But cash pays the bills. It buys things. It pays salaries. So without money in

Management by Kaizen Events

By Jon Miller - February 6th, 2008

Mark Graban made the point today in the Lean Blog that kaizen events are not enough. He agrees with another lean healthcare article that by themselves, the rapid improvement events of 3 to 5 days in duration are not sufficient to achie

Schofield Media Group Announces Acquisition of iSixSigma

By Ron Pereira - February 6th, 2008

Big news yesterday from Michael Cyger, owner of the extremely popular iSixSigma brand. I am pleased and excited to announce that CTQ Media, owner of the publishing brands including iSixSigma, Real Innovation, BPM Enterprise and Sourcin

The Never Ending Pursuit of Wisdom

By Ron Pereira - February 5th, 2008

Let no one deceive himself. If any one among you considers himself wise in this age, let him become a fool so as to become wise (1 Cor 3:18). Wisdom is a mysterious thing and something, I contend, worth our full attention. You see, I

101 Kaizen Templates: Takt Time Calculator

By Jon Miller - February 4th, 2008

A reader pointed out that the takt time for posting the 101 kaizen template has exceeded. It is true that we have not been hitting a consistent 1 template per 3.5 days. To meet our goal for 101 of these by the end of 2008 we will need

Exploring the “Respect for People” Principle of the Toyota Way

By Jon Miller - February 3rd, 2008

Author, Professor and lean thinker Bob Emiliani has made another important contribution with his new book Practical Lean Leadership. I had the pleasure of reviewing and giving editorial input on this fine book and would recommend it fo

Just Do It

By Ron Pereira - February 2nd, 2008

“Talk doesn’t cook rice.” -Chinese Proverb While planning, checking, and acting/adjusting are of course crucial elements of the PDCA cycle I sometimes feel as though the “do” element is under-utilized. In a similar way,

Month: February 2008