35S Products That Can Keep Your Lean System Running Smooth

Despite how much it has been covered in literature, training notes and video courses, it is impossible to over emphasize the importance of the 5S method in a Lean Productivity System. Why?

     ·   It is at the core of the system: Nearly every method and technique is based on one or more aspects of the 5S method. Every process, workstation, production line and supply center only works at top capacity if it is:

o   Sorted: Everything not needed has been removed.

o   Set in Order: Everything that remains is positioned for maximum efficiency and minimum wasted motion.

o   Shined: Dirt, debris and clutter create time wasting distractions and are a safety hazard.

o   Standardized: Each productivity success recorded so that it can be repeated.

o   Sustained: Each person is constantly on the lookout for ways to improve.

   · It is the reason for much of your current success: While many intermediate and advanced techniques can and will improve productivity, 5S leads the way, capturing the low hanging fruit by making every work area clean, fast, and efficient. In order for advanced productivity enhancement techniques to work, it must have a pretty productive system to start with.

     ·  It is simple: 5S is easy to understand and apply, which is why everyone in the organization should be well versed in 5S.

Here are some 5S products from Enna that can help you to promote 5S in your operation and ingrain it into your work culture.

     · 5S Videos: Enna has a set of 3 5S related video courses that can help you to make 5S an integral part of your operation:

o   The Fundamental Principles of 5S: This course goes through the basics of 5S, including the definitions of the 5 points. It is an important tool for training new hires and workers in areas that Lean is being introduced. It also can be used to help management understand the importance of this core concept. Using this as the basis of a refresher course in Kaizen events and workshops is also recommended.

o   5S Into Action: A professionally produced video course that tells not only how to do 5S, but why. It goes into detail on how the principles of 5S can and do make significant improvements to nearly any production process.

o   Advanced Application of 5S: This course talks about the way so sustain 5S in maturing systems, an important skill if you want to achieve the last S, Sustainability.

     ·   5S Training Packages: These products are designed to be used in Kaizen workshop settings for skill reinforcement. They are self-contained and provide all the materials needed for an effective and enjoyable training review session. The packs available include:

o   5S Training Pack: Designed to cover 5S concepts in the manufacturing environment.

o   5S Office Solution Pack: Designed to transfer the benefits of 5S to the front office.

o   Learning Kits: These supplemental Quick Learning Lean Kits provide a fast track training resource for key concepts.

     ·   Quick Guide: This product is a combination training packet and resource, and is designed to be used to teach the principles of 5S and as a reference in real world situations.

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Why Lean Meetings Are Key to Keeping Your Lean Management System on Track

Fun fact. The people in charge of the Macy's Thanksgiving Holiday Parade begin planning the next parade the Monday after Thanksgiving. So what does that have to do with you? If you have implemented a Lean Management System… A lot.

Lean Steps:

Lean is a very comprehensive and detailed collection of principles, techniques and methodologies that are designed to work together to increase productivity, reduce waste, and improve your company’s profit profile. And historically speaking, it works very well.

But if you thought that once you finished your Lean initiative that you could relax and enjoy all of that improved productivity, then you may have missed a class or two during training, because one of the key principles of Lean is that you never stop improving your Lean system.

Meetings:

These are lean meetings of a specially selected Lean committee whose job it is to:

• Select the next big Lean initiative to be worked on.
• Plan a special Kaizen event to launch the new initiative.
• Manage the implementation process after the launch.

Why a Kaizen Event?

If you remember the process you went through getting the initial Lean changes made, then you have an idea of what you will need to do for the next phase of Lean. Even though most of your organization has gone through this already, change is hard, and many will resist or even oppose alterations to their workplace and procedures. It is just human nature.

Why Do You Need a Major Overhaul?

First, because like most major changes, Lean is implemented in stages. No matter how comprehensive you tried to make the initial implementation, there are always some things that you could not include. Second, there are some things that you may not have gotten just right the first time.

And third, things change and the procedures you put into place originally may not any longer fit your current business and market needs.

What Does a Lean Committee Do?

The Lean Committee meets at least once a year to:

• Evaluate the results of the previous Lean implementation and the accompanying Kaizen event.
• To select the next segment of your operation that will be addressed by Lean methodologies.
• To plan the Kaizen event that will educate the managers and workers regarding:

◦     The reason that the proposed changes are needed.

◦     The anticipated results of the proposed change.

◦     The steps required to make this change happen.

This event is the first, best opportunity to get your workforce on board with the changes, and is the most effective way to deal with unproductive rumors and misconceptions that may crop up during the analysis stages.

An example of what can be done during a Kaizen event; Say your committee has determined the next stage of Lean is to introduce the Kanban supply and stocking methodologies to your operation. You can present to the group workshops on:

• What is Kanban
• Understanding the Different Types of Kanban
• What is required to implement Kanban
• The advantages of the various Kanban methods

Equipped with this information, your staff will have an easier time accepting and adapting to the upcoming changes.

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Get the Most Out of a Kaizen Workshop

Value Stream Mapping | Enna.com

Enna offers various books that focus on the principles of lean manufacturing, problem solving workbooks, job instruction workbooks, facilitator guides for lean and the 5S system (in English and Spanish), etc. These books are meant to be complementary to the workshop packages that are also offered through the site. 

Lean techniques can be applied to all industries and Enna does offer lean healthcare books. While their selection only has one book at the moment they do accept customized requests. This is because they are certain they can provide the best quality products. With three hundred and fifty-three items on their site, a wide range of tools for all industries are provided. For owners who are serious about improving through lean methodologies, any of these products will be worth the financial investment.

What's offered in this book?

Clinical 5S for Healthcare is written by someone who is among the leading experts in using this system in the medical field. He is considered a leading expert and speaker, while this book is considered a standard of learning 5S. His book offers steps on how to create a workplace that functions better by using perfected methods and tools. By implementing these steps hospital owners can greatly reduce, or ideally eliminate, any problems; malpractice, removing wasteful operations, this will create a revitalized environment.

The goal of this system is to encourage the creativity of all employees, leadership, and more open communication between departments. More discussion will lead to weeding out the root causes of medical errors, finding ways to eliminate human error and an excessive inventory. This is to make the job more satisfying and takes away the stress of dealing with these problems on top of meeting customer needs. This book will also teach you how to:

• Eliminate patient accidents
• Eliminating wasted time searching for items by increasing orderliness
• Optimizing the use of space to the satisfaction of patients and employees.

As the business owner, you may also want to lead the training workshop. These packages use both text based and visual teaching methods; like kaizen workshop videos. Enna has published one DVD as a beginner's introduction to this philosophy. It reveals the importance of each employee and how they can effect change.

This will teach the basics and the teacher has years of experience with these methods, he shows how these simple ideas lead to big and concrete changes. It's not meant gain huge profits immediately so patience and long term commitment is needed for the transition to lean isa success. What you can expect to see from this DVD:

• How employees can help drive continual improvement by becoming more engaged and invested in the company's success.
• How profits will be increased as more waste is removed.
• You will learn the fundamentals of the Toyota Pillars. They have used the lean systems to high success rates.
• Common mistakes that lead to failure.
• How to start implementing these techniques immediately.
•  How owners can positively affect change in all work areas.