Efficiency Is Not ProductivityInaccurate efficiency measurements can sometimes mask improvement opportunities
Tue, 04/02/2013 - 16:19
Many folks use the terms “efficiency” and “productivity” interchangeably. They are not interchangeable. They are not equivalent. Heck, they’re not even synonyms—even though Thesaurus.com thinks so.
Technically, productivity is a ratio of (good)… The Line Balance RateHow equalized is operation time among workers within a given process?
Wed, 03/27/2013 - 17:03
The operator balance chart, also known as a percent load chart, operator loading diagram, cycle time/takt time bar chart, or line balance analysis graph, provides the lean practitioner with insight into how equalized operation time is among the… Value Stream Mapping Math The lead-time ladder process ‘branch’
Thu, 03/21/2013 - 10:33
Here’s some often overlooked and misunderstood value-stream mapping math.
The lead time ladder has two levels or “rungs.” The bottom rung is the process or processing rung on which the relevant process time is dropped down. This is usually pretty… Lean Math Phobia and Other DisordersLet’s not get trapped by analysis paralysis
Wed, 03/06/2013 - 11:08
When discussing lean math with other folks, I often get some less-than-optimal responses. Of course, much of the time it’s probably me.
In any case, this is how I would characterize the more nonvalue-adding responses to the subject. • Apoplectic.… Lean War TrophiesIn the never-ending battle, sometimes we need to praise our effort and reflect
Wed, 02/27/2013 - 09:46
For millennia, warriors have taken war trophies to commemorate their victories. They range from the souvenir to war reparations to the just plain gory.
We’ve got flags and weapons and things like seagoing vessels, such as the U.S. Coast Guard’s… Lean Math Blog Enters the Digital FrayFiguring to improve
Wed, 02/13/2013 - 11:47
(Lean Math: Hartford, CT) -- We would like to announce a new entrant into the lean blogosphere, it’s called Lean Math (leanmath.com).
We know what you’re thinking: “Lean Math?!” Now, that’s a subject that evokes passion in the heart of every lean… Lean Should Be a Pain in the #*%!We’re talking value-added pain here
Wed, 02/06/2013 - 16:38
We’re all familiar with the Toyota Production System “house.” You know, the structure schematic with, among other things, the just-in-time and jidoka pillars. Well, sometimes I think it would be more appropriate to refer to the house, any lean… Eight Ways to Avoid the Kaizen Roach MotelIdeas check in... but they don’t check out
Mon, 11/12/2012 - 10:56
Isee the same cycle in so many places. What cycle? A five-step process for ensuring that ideas fail.
Step 1: Altruistic leaders encourage suggestions and ask associates for their continuous improvement ideas in an attempt to foment some daily… Visuals and a Bit of Drama Make the point memorable and spur problem solving
Wed, 10/31/2012 - 10:59
Labels, lines, and shadows have little personality. Their job is largely about identification, location, and quantity.
Visual performance metrics provide insight into the health of a process or value stream by comparing actual performance vs.… Lean Leaders: First Commit to Self-Development Find your own way before helping others
Wed, 09/26/2012 - 09:50
We’ve all heard the flight attendant’s compulsory safety announcement regarding oxygen masks. Personally, I’ve grown pretty numb to the whole safety monologue. Not a good thing.
During a relatively recent trip on a Southwest flight there was a…
