Lean Six Sigma is one of the latest trends for continuous improvement. Its aim is to combine both lean principles with six sigma, in one framework. It makes sense: Lean and six Sigma both share the goal of improving processes. So, when you’re improving your own processes, why not combine the two tools to get…

There is a myriad of lean manufacturing tools to help drive out waste and improve efficiency in your business. In fact, there are possibly Hundreds of what are referred to as ‘Tools’ to assist you in your drive for continuous improvement and an embedded Lean Culture. There are arguably, though, about 5-10 key tools, which…

Lean Manufacturing Principles form the underpinning roadmap of Lean. No plan can be achieved without a roadmap: a plan of action, which supports clear guidelines and principles – and when incorporating lean, the same applies. Lean Manufacturing Principles are derived from the Toyota Production System (TPS) and follow five concepts. Understand value in the eyes…

Lean Kaizen is a term for a continuous improvement philosophy in Lean. The common name is referred to as a Kaizen and is a Japanese word which literally means Change (Kai) for the better (Zen). It is based on a philosophy of continuous improvement within processes in Businesses across all sectors and industries and involves…

Lean Flow is about how items or people we are dealing with in a process move from the first step to the last. Obviously, the intention in Lean flow is to move the item or product through the process as quick as possible, without any risk to quality and customer satisfaction. In fact, flow is…

Understanding the 7 wastes allows you to be able to identify process waste, whether it be in a Manufacturing or Service business. If you can see it, you can eliminate it and therefore increase your efficiency, productivity and profit levels. I think this is one of the most important aspects of Lean manufacturing. If you…

The Standard definitions There are a number of standard Lean Manufacturing Definitions…….. “Lean is a Business philosophy that continuously shortens the time between customer order and shipment by eliminating anything that increases the cost of production and time of delivery to customers.” – Eaton Corporation “Lean Manufacturing is an operational strategy oriented toward achieving the…

Lean Manufacturing is a strategy that seeks to provide maximum throughput with as little inventory and resource as possible. It focuses on learning to see waste in every part of the operation or Value Stream, and then seeks to eliminate that waste. The net result of Lean is to provide the customer with: What the…