April 2010 | Gemba Academy

An Infinite Number of Solutions…

By Jon Miller - April 30th, 2010

…may seem like a good thing. After all, the more solutions we have to any particular problem, the more likely we are to solve it right? In actual practice when we are properly constrained we are more likely to spend our time and

Three Questions about Standardized Work in the Office

By Jon Miller - April 27th, 2010

A client asked an earnest question. I have my opinions but not observed facts. In fact I have heard conflicting information on this issue, with respect to Toyota. How does Toyota manage their support staff documentation? Around what %

What to Do When Your Lean Implementation is Like a Chicken

By Jon Miller - April 25th, 2010

Premanath asked: What is skill matrix and before starting skill matrix what should be known? Nice two-part question. The first part is relatively easy and has little to do with chickens. The skill matrix is a document that displays the

The Necessity of Redundancy

By Jon Miller - April 21st, 2010

After every major natural disaster that disrupts global supply chains there are voices that cry out “A-ha! I told you just in time doesn’t work!” So with the Icelandic volcano turning European skies airoplane-free for

A Tracking Method for 5S Programs

By Jon Miller - April 20th, 2010

David asked: I’m having a difficult time coming up with a tracking method for our 5S program. We are running a program with a scoring value but no real tracking method. Any suggestions? We have to pause every time we hear the wor

Ten Tips for Better Facilitation

By Jon Miller - April 18th, 2010

Facilitation is the art of guiding but not leading, bringing learning but not lecturing, engaging but not directing. Coming from the Latin facilitar meaning “to make easy” the role of the facilitator is not to do for others

How to Calculate Process Cycle Efficiency

By Ron Pereira - April 15th, 2010

We’ve received several questions related to how to calculate Process Cycle Efficiency (PCE) over on our most popular blog article of all time: How to Create a Current State Value Stream Map. And while I have written on this PCE t

What do you think of this picture?

By Ron Pereira - April 15th, 2010

My family and I recently took a road trip. During a stop at a restaurant I came across this sign in the restroom (click picture to enlarge it). I’m curious to hear your thoughts on whether you think this is a weak or strong con

LSS Academy Now on LinkedIn

By Ron Pereira - April 12th, 2010

I’m happy to announce that LSS Academy is now on LinkedIn. We’ll obviously continue to roll strong here on the blog… but there seems to be something something special about LinkedIn when it comes to generating buzz ab

My Suggestion to Improve Long Beach Airport

By Jon Miller - April 11th, 2010

Long Beach Airport is tiny, has oddly artistic lines and is blessed with palm trees set against a blue sky. The airport’s single terminal ends almost before it begins. Baggage claim is a short stretch of conveyor, outside of the

Month: April 2010