Future State Map 7 Basic Questions

In the book,Value Stream Mapping for Lean Development: A How-To Guide for Streamlining Time to Market, Drew Locher explained how to create a Future State Map by utilizing seven basic questions: What does the customer really need? How often will we check our performance to customer needs? Which steps create value and which steps are Read More …

Are there Bronze, Silver and Gold Belts ahead for Lean?

Lean Certification Program Sponsored by AME, SME and Shingo Prize My Sunday blog post is typically from a Business901 affiliate. This week I would like to use the opportunity to highlight a Lean certification program designed by three organizations – the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), the Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME), and The Shingo Read More …

eBook on a Lean Journey

Jim Lewis was the guest on the Business901 Podcast and this e-book is a transcription of our recent podcast. Even if you listened to the podcast, I believe you will enjoy the written version. Our discussion centered on how to begin with Lean and the development of a Value Stream Mapping process. Jim is an Read More …

Don’t call it training

The key issue for most organizations are increasing revenue or decreasing cost. At the present time, most companies are in the decreasing cost mode. Training events are getting canceled or postponed in the effort to decrease cost. Training budgets are often the first to get cut when business takes a downturn. Time is also scarce. Read More …

Learn more about the Xerox Design for Lean Six Sigma

I have been intrigued by the Xerox Design for Lean Six Sigma methodology. In my search for more information about the subject, I ran across this book that I would like to share with you, Lessons Learned from an Unconventional Design for Lean Six Sigma Deployment. It is an easy read without out laboring in Read More …

Developing a Kaizen Conscious

Michael Ballé is the co-author of, The Gold Mine, a bestselling business novel of a Lean Turnaround, and recently, The Lean Manager, a novel of a Lean Transformation both published by the Lean Enterprise Institute. For the past 15 years, he has studied lean transformations, helping companies develop a lean culture. He is an engaging Read More …