http://www.leanlaunchpad.com Just another WordPress weblog Sun, 05 Apr 2009 21:19:15 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Many organizations adopt one of two options for running improvement projects – namely instigating a full blown project which may have a duration of a few months or running a rapid and intense project (typically termed a Kaizen method) over a much shorter period (weeks rather than months.) The two ... http://www.leanlaunchpad.com/general/two-options-for-pacing-a-lean-improvement-project/ The DMAIC model is a well proven and widely used structured improvement model. (click here for the articles on the DMAIC model). DMAIC offers a step by step approach to problem solving, firstly by capturing the underlying root causes and then offering methods of improvement. As a reminder DMAIC stands for • ... http://www.leanlaunchpad.com/methods/when-to-use-dmaic/ Value stream mapping has attracted huge interest from lean practitioners and business improvement specialists. For some it seems that it’s a dark and mysterious art – a panacea or cure all. However, you’ll be pleased to know Value stream mapping is not rocket science – given some time and practice anyone ... http://www.leanlaunchpad.com/general/10-value-stream-mapping-essentials/ Kanban is a lean concept, which originated in the Japanese automotive industry (Toyota to be precise), and is often associated with just in time production methods. At its heart Kanban is a signaling system used to signify the need for material. The system traditionally uses cards to signal need. ... http://www.leanlaunchpad.com/what-is/what-is-kanban/ Inventory can be one of the major costs for many businesses and optimizing stock levels often becomes a primary objective. Business improvement initiatives such as lean or six sigma are often utilized in this task as their toolset is aligned with mitigating many of the causes such as: • Variability in ... http://www.leanlaunchpad.com/general/targeting-excess-inventory-with-lean/ A balanced scorecard forms part of a performance management system and consolidates key organizational KPI’s. Scorecards traditionally map four areas of business performance • Financial • Process • Customers • Learning and Growth Working on the basis that financial measures are not sufficient in their own right to manage a business – scorecards aim to bridge the gap ... http://www.leanlaunchpad.com/methods/10-reasons-why-balanced-scorecards-rock/ A balanced scorecard is a combination of measures into a consolidated view of business performance. This consolidated view is then used to measure performance against business objectives. Balanced scorecards have been around since the early 1990’s and have become an increasingly popular form of performance indicator. They can take ... http://www.leanlaunchpad.com/what-is/what-is-a-balanced-scorecard/ Value stream mapping is a process mapping tool used for capturing and mapping the flows of information and materials through an organization. It’s a great tool for right at the start of an improvement project when your trying to get to grips with the current business situation. While ... http://www.leanlaunchpad.com/process-mapping/6-tips-for-first-time-value-stream-mapping-success/ Businesses can be complex things – lets face it no business ever runs completely smoothly and problems can come in all shapes and sizes from defects caused by manufacturing failures to inefficient business processes resulting in higher costs and lower margins. The good news is that improving your business doesn’t have ... http://www.leanlaunchpad.com/tools/5-lean-tips-to-superpower-your-business/ Kano Analysis is an analytical method used for segmenting customer requirements according to various rules and expectations. Kano Analysis was developed by Professor Noriaki Kano in the 1980’s and classifies customer preferences into the following catagories • Attractive • One-Dimensional • Must-Be • Indifferent • Reverse Customer preferences can be analyzed and segmented according to the customers ... http://www.leanlaunchpad.com/what-is/what-is-kano-analysis/