Applying Lean in a Finance Department
One of the problems that many manufacturing companies face in deploying lean in their operation is the conflict with how to account for inventory. In lean, we learn that inventory is waste and the root of all evil. It is something we need to eliminate. The standard-cost absorption accounting method, however, takes the opposite view: it rewards those who build inventory, allowing them to...
Read MoreLean Six Sigma in Human Resources
Any process that has a gap in performance is a candidate for a Lean Six Sigma project and that includes the Human Resource processes and department. Over the years I’ve been involved in a variety of HR projects that include: Reducing the time to hire new employees Hiring process for summer help On-boarding of new employees Improving the FMLA process Reducing recruitment...
Read More3 Reasons Lean Six Sigma May Not Be Right For Your Organization?
Many organizations have implemented and are benefiting from Lean Six Sigma. But is there a time when Lean Six Sigma is not right for your organization? I’ve written about the benefits of Lean Six Sigma and how it takes a dedicated infrastructure, execution, and strong management support and oversight. Lean Six Sigma is not for the faint of heart and will change the culture and...
Read MoreWant A Successful Lean Six Sigma Deployment? Follow These 12 Steps!
Having been involved in Lean Six Sigma for over 20 years, I’ve seen many organizations struggle with deploying Lean Six Sigma. Some start off with great intentions but then seem to falter as they move forward. I am proud of the fact that I was part of a very successful Lean Six Sigma deployment at Delphi (now Aptiv). Not that we did everything right, but we were were able to implement...
Read MoreCheck Out How This Will Help Your Company Prevent Mistakes & Errors!
Illustration by Don Pedicini, Liberty Graphics People variation is a given in every business; the key is to understand how it’s impacting your processes. Distractions, skill-level, attitude, personality, and inadequate processes are all conditions that cause people-related variation. What one employee might do well can be a challenge for another, and this variation in people skills...
Read MoreLean, Six Sigma, Kaizen! What Is The Best Direction For Your Organization?
Shutterstock Illustration Methodologies are almost as numerous as the tools they use. Organizations sometime struggle with where to start their improvement effort especially when resources are few and funds are in short supply. It really gets down to thinking about the problems you face as an organization and then selecting the right CI method to address those needs. If your organization...
Read More