Lean Six Sigma Bursts

Developed by Genichi Taguchi, the Taguchi Loss Function is a graphical representation of how an increase in variation away from the target value (even within specification limits) leads to an exponential increase in customer dissatisfaction. This is different than the traditional approach of viewing results within the specification limits as good, and results outside of the specification limits as bad. Links Taguchi Loss Function Video of Ford Transmission Study: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAfUOfSY-S0 BIZ-PI.com LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm

When describing the methodology of a kaizen or kaikaku event, I often break it up into two main types: Working session - traditional approach where 80% of the work is implemented during the 2-5 day event Planning session - process mapping approach where the team generates a 90-day action plan during the 2-5 day event I explain the differences and when to use each type, along with describing how projects and point kaizen (or kaizen blitz/burst activities) fit within these activities. Links What is Kaikaku? Video of Kaizen Planning Event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYsn0X0EVRI Video of Kaizen Working Event (within a larger 8-week project): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EedMmMedj3M Video of Kaizen Blitz or Point Kaizen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QA1ddcXfqM0 BIZ-PI.com Creative Safety Supply Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm

A common question I hear is "what if my company doesn't support process improvement?" I share 4 main approaches you can take to deal with this situation, instead of feeling frustrated by it. Links LeanSixSigmaHomes.com BIZ-PI.com Creative Safety Supply Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm

I share my experience getting my first COVID-19 vaccine shot, and how I analyzed that process from a lean perspective. I found that there was only one second of value, compared to a process that took me over an hour to complete. On a related note, I also have some links to lean applied during the pandemic on my website (see links below). Links Applying Lean Methods to Mitigate COVID-19 at Work BIZ-PI.com LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm

I was recently asked about the difference between PDCA and PDSA. I had heard some new information from another podcast, and dug into one of the references to learn more about it. In this episode, I read through a paper from Ronald Moen that provides a good historical perspective. Note: I mispronounced Charlie Protzman's name in the audio. Apologies! Links Foundation and History of the PDSA Cycle - Ronald Moen  Podcast Interview with Charlie Protzman and Patrick Adams BIZ-PI.com Creative Safety Supply Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm

A recent Value Stream Mapping event was held virtually, and we received some positive feedback from the event attendees. I wanted to share some of the comments to show how process improvement helps much more than just faster processes with less quality issues. It helps engage employees in the future direction of the organization, builds teamwork across departments, and creates a safe space for discussing problems and challenges. Please contact me if you'd like help with facilitating your own lean events, so I can better understand how to assist you in this important tool of process improvement. Links Value Stream Mapping Training (YouTube) Kaizen Event Training (YouTube) BIZ-PI.com LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm

Does your organization use a structured problem solving process, like DMAIC, 8D, or PDSA? If no, why not? I share my views on what challenges are created when you don't have structure to your problem solving approach. Links BIZ-PI.com LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm

Are you trying to decide how to select the best projects to work on, but have many stakeholders and customer needs to consider, and too many project ideas? Check out the Project Prioritization Matrix to help you objectively evaluate these projects and select the ones that meet the most important criteria. I pulled the audio from the training video for you to listen to in this podcast. There is also a link to the video if you had trouble following along, and I provide a link to the template you can download.  Links Video: What is a Project Prioritization Matrix? Selecting the Best Projects with Many Stakeholder Criteria Template: Project Prioritization Matrix (XLSX) BIZ-PI.com LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm

I received a question today that I thought would be helpful to everyone: “Imagine you are getting ready to kick-off the value stream workshop and you start to receive emails from a bunch of different people in the organization asking to attend. What would be your response?” I answered the question in an article on my website, but I wanted to read my response for this podcast. Links Article: How to decide on the right number of people for your lean event? BIZ-PI.com LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com Creative Safety Supply Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm

When making improvements to a process, cost savings and avoidance is a common outcome that is estimated and reported. A common error is to combine the data together into one overall number, but they should be separated into three distinct buckets of money: Income Statement, Cash Flow and Growth.  Links Article: Client saved $800,000 in 3 Days E2: What is the difference between hard and soft financial savings? BIZ-PI.com LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com Creative Safety Supply