Lean Six Sigma Bursts: Recent Episodes
Brion Hurley
Brion Hurley from Business Performance Improvement shares his takes and thoughts on a variety of topics related to process improvement (specifically Lean and Six Sigma methods), Bursts are rapid improvement activities, so this sounded like a good word to use for these short audio clips. We'll try to keep them under 5 minutes each. Have a question? Use the anchor app to leave us a voice message, and we might pick your question for our next episode!
This is part 3 of the 2006 speech given by Rockwell Collins CEO, Clay Jones. I worked at Rockwell Collins from 1999-2017, and was heavily involved in the Lean Electronics program.
In this clip, you'll hear him discuss why they brought in some external consultants like John Shook and Denny Mead to try and figure out why all the improvements were not showing an impact on the bottom-line results or other key metrics. The RC Scorecard was developed to give a balanced view across the company, and it included a critical metric, called Cost of Nonconformance (CONC), which I was heavily involved with. He also discusses how leadership needed to become more engaged in value stream mapping to help drive the right improvements in the right areas by following the new "Lean Roadmap."
You can watch the entire video at http://techtv.mit.edu/videos/16101-leading-rockwell-collins-lean-transformation
If you're interested in taking a Lean, Green Belt or Black Belt course, consider these self-paced affordable courses from OpEx Training: https://www.leansixsigmadefinition.com/shop/
- Need help in your organization, or want to discuss your current work situation?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- Podcast Sponsor: Creative Safety Supply is a great resource for free guides, infographics, and continuous improvement tools. I recommend starting with their 5S guide. It includes breakdowns of the five pillars, ways to begin implementing 5S, and even organization tips and color charts. From red tags to floor marking; it’s all there. Download it for free at creativesafetysupply.com/5S
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Podcasters.Spotify.com
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leansixsigmabursts/message
This is part 2 of the 2006 speech given by Rockwell Collins CEO, Clay Jones. I worked at Rockwell Collins from 1999-2017, and was heavily involved in the Lean Electronics program.
In this clip, you'll hear him discuss how they created and rolled out Lean Electronics program across both manufacturing and the office, and selected Decorah (Iowa) as the pilot site. In the first few years (1998-2000), they achieved lots of successes (conducting over 600 kaizen events a year with reductions of 20-40%), but something was missing.
Enterprise Value Stream Mapping was added through an initiative called Core Process Optimization (CPO) to look at major pieces of the customer journey, from Sales and Marketing, Design and Development, Build (Manufacturing) and Sales and Support.
You can watch the entire video at http://techtv.mit.edu/videos/16101-leading-rockwell-collins-lean-transformation
If you're interested in taking a Lean, Green Belt or Black Belt course, consider these self-paced affordable courses from OpEx Training: https://www.leansixsigmadefinition.com/shop/
- Need help in your organization, or want to discuss your current work situation?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- Podcast Sponsor: Creative Safety Supply is a great resource for free guides, infographics, and continuous improvement tools. I recommend starting with their 5S guide. It includes breakdowns of the five pillars, ways to begin implementing 5S, and even organization tips and color charts. From red tags to floor marking; it’s all there. Download it for free at creativesafetysupply.com/5S
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Podcasters.Spotify.com
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leansixsigmabursts/message
For the next few podcasts, I'll be sharing clips from a 2006 speech given by Rockwell Collins CEO, Clay Jones. I worked at Rockwell Collins from 1999-2017, and was heavily involved in the Lean Electronics program. I credit Clay and the "Lean Electronics" program for giving me the skills and experience to make this my passion, allowing me to eventually open up my consulting business, BPI.
In this video, you'll hear him discuss how he first learned about Lean from Boeing, and what the customers were telling him about their products and services and what needed to improve.
You can watch the entire video at http://techtv.mit.edu/videos/16101-leading-rockwell-collins-lean-transformation
If you're interested in taking a Lean, Green Belt or Black Belt course, consider these self-paced affordable courses from OpEx Training: https://www.leansixsigmadefinition.com/shop/
- Need help in your organization, or want to discuss your current work situation?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- Podcast Sponsor: Creative Safety Supply is a great resource for free guides, infographics, and continuous improvement tools. I recommend starting with their 5S guide. It includes breakdowns of the five pillars, ways to begin implementing 5S, and even organization tips and color charts. From red tags to floor marking; it’s all there. Download it for free at creativesafetysupply.com/5S
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Podcasters.Spotify.com
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leansixsigmabursts/message
In a recent class I taught, we were discussing the Project Charter, which asks you to fill in the baseline data for the metric you're trying to improve.
I explain how you need to be persistent to find data, and not to start a project if you don't have any data, especially for a training class, or for your first project.
I also answer a student question about how many samples you need for the baseline. You can also listen to a previous podcast (episode #25) about why we need 30 data points: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/VAoKfXBelJb
If you're interested in taking a Lean, Green Belt or Black Belt course, consider these self-paced affordable courses from OpEx Training: https://www.leansixsigmadefinition.com/shop/
- Need help in your organization, or want to discuss your current work situation?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- Podcast Sponsor: Creative Safety Supply is a great resource for free guides, infographics, and continuous improvement tools. I recommend starting with their 5S guide. It includes breakdowns of the five pillars, ways to begin implementing 5S, and even organization tips and color charts. From red tags to floor marking; it’s all there. Download it for free at creativesafetysupply.com/5S
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Podcasters.Spotify.com
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leansixsigmabursts/message
In this podcast, I share a short clip from a recent training class, explaining the benefits of Lean Six Sigma Green Belt training to an organization, but more importantly, why it's important to the people attending the clas personally.
If you're interested in taking a Lean, Green Belt or Black Belt course, consider these self-paced affordable courses from OpEx Training: https://www.leansixsigmadefinition.com/shop/
- Need help in your organization, or want to discuss your current work situation?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- Podcast Sponsor: Creative Safety Supply is a great resource for free guides, infographics, and continuous improvement tools. I recommend starting with their 5S guide. It includes breakdowns of the five pillars, ways to begin implementing 5S, and even organization tips and color charts. From red tags to floor marking; it’s all there. Download it for free at creativesafetysupply.com/5S
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Podcasters.Spotify.com
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leansixsigmabursts/message
In episode 101, I share an interview clip from John Barnett, former Boeing Quality Manager, as he discusses the culture of quality that might explain the recent airline issues. He was found dead while he was giving a deposition about his former company, but I don't go into those details. I wanted to share my insights about a comment he made that inspection is non-value added, and how I think it has been misunderstood.
Inspection is non-value added, but that doesn't mean you stop inspecting. You need to remove the causes for the inspection before you can even consider removing or reducing inspection or test.
Links
- Ex-Boeing Quality Manager Warns of 737 Plane Being Back Air So Soon - TMZ: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOffvIaWNm4
- John Barnett Wikipedia Page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Barnett_(whistleblower)
- Top 3 Things to Validate Before Removing Test and Inspection Steps: https://www.biz-pi.com/top-3-things-to-validate-before-removing-test-or-inspection-steps/https://www.biz-pi.com/top-3-things-to-validate-before-removing-test-or-inspection-steps/
- Lean Blog Audio from Mark Graban - The Problem (737 MAX and Beyond) at Boeing Isn’t “Idiots.” It’s Far More Complex Than That… But Fixable: https://www.leanblog.org/2024/01/the-problem-at-boeing-isnt-idiots-its-far-more-complex-than-that-but-fixable/
- Need help in your organization?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- Podcast Sponsor: Creative Safety Supply is a great resource for free guides, infographics, and continuous improvement tools. I recommend starting with their 5S guide. It includes breakdowns of the five pillars, ways to begin implementing 5S, and even organization tips and color charts. From red tags to floor marking; it’s all there. Download it for free at creativesafetysupply.com/5S
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Podcasters.Spotify.com
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leansixsigmabursts/message
In episode 100, I share a segment of a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt training course I conducted, where I went into details about the Fishbone Diagram and the 6 M's, and I thought you might find it useful.
When you are trying to uncover possible causes of a problem, using the 6 M's with a Fishbone Diagram is a great way to enhance your team brainstorming, and methodically narrow down the causes through a process of elimination.
I've also posted a video of the slides I presented, if you want to see the graphics and gain more insights from what I shared.
Links
- Video "How 6 M's and Fishbone (Ishikawa) or Cause and Effect Diagrams Can Help Reduce Water Usage": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKx_xnXGewI
- 6 M's: https://www.leansixsigmadefinition.com/glossary/6-ms/
- Fishbone (Ishikawa) Diagrams: https://www.leansixsigmadefinition.com/glossary/fishbone-diagram/
- Need help in your organization?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- Podcast Sponsor: Creative Safety Supply is a great resource for free guides, infographics, and continuous improvement tools. I recommend starting with their 5S guide. It includes breakdowns of the five pillars, ways to begin implementing 5S, and even organization tips and color charts. From red tags to floor marking; it’s all there. Download it for free at creativesafetysupply.com/5S
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Podcasters.Spotify.com
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leansixsigmabursts/message
In episode 97, we released an excerpt by Elisabeth Swan from "Lean Six Sigma for Good: Lessons from the Gemba (Volume 1)"
This is an excerpt from the audiobook version Volume 1.
I share the story of running a small nonprofit organization in Portland, called Recycling Advocates (now called Waste-free Advocates). We created a fundraiser conference called Zero Waste Conference, to promote the reduction of items going to the landfill.
I was able to incorporate some Lean and Six Sigma principles to the event planning to prevent issues like parking confusion, sign-in delays, seating charts, predicting show up rates, and much more. The entire chapter requires the purchase of the book, but remember that the proceeds from the book sales supports the nonprofit organizations selected by each of the 8 chapter authors.
Links
- Lean Six Sigma for Good: Lessons from the Gemba (Volume 1 and Volume 2)
- Need help in your organization?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- Podcast Sponsor: Creative Safety Supply is a great resource for free guides, infographics, and continuous improvement tools. I recommend starting with their 5S guide. It includes breakdowns of the five pillars, ways to begin implementing 5S, and even organization tips and color charts. From red tags to floor marking; it’s all there. Download it for free at creativesafetysupply.com/5S
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Podcasters.Spotify.com
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leansixsigmabursts/message
In this podcast, I expand on Podcast #96, where I talked about the questions to consider in a training and coaching program.
I go through 6 different case studies of customized training and coaching programs I've helped develop with clients to meet their specific needs, and how the payback on training is often as short as a few months!
If you'd like to get a quote for some training options, fill out this training request form, and we'll be in touch, or contact me at brion@biz-pi.com
Links
- Article: What is the best option for our company to receive the most effective Lean Six Sigma Training and Coaching?
- Case study #1: https://www.biz-pi.com/food-manufacturer-achieves-cost-savings-and-skill-development-with-green-belt-program/
- Case study #2: https://www.biz-pi.com/factory-built-homes-uses-lean-to-reduce-wood-waste-and-costs/
- Episode #96: What is the best option for effective Lean Six Sigma training and coaching?
- Interested in training? Fill out the Training Request Form to get the conversation started!
- Need help in your organization?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- Podcast Sponsor: Creative Safety Supply is a great resource for free guides, infographics, and continuous improvement tools. I recommend starting with their 5S guide. It includes breakdowns of the five pillars, ways to begin implementing 5S, and even organization tips and color charts. From red tags to floor marking; it’s all there. Download it for free at creativesafetysupply.com/5S
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Podcasters.Spotify.com
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leansixsigmabursts/message
This is an excerpt from the audiobook version of "Lean Six Sigma for Good: Lessons from the Gemba (Volume 2)"
Elisabeth Swan shares the story of volunteering with the Cape Cod Childcare Development nonprofit organization. She discusses getting a call from the CEO to help the organization utilize more Lean Six Sigma Green Belt skills and methods within the organization.
In one of the examples highlighted in her chapter, she shares how they reviewed their expenses and processes, and managed to update the ordering process, consolidate vendors, reduce the number of steps involved in getting supplies to the people who needed them, all while ensuring the Finance Department received the right info to pay the bills. The savings from the monthly cellphone bill, combined with switching to a new vendor, was enough to afford the mortgage for the building to house the new Head Start program.
Proceeds from the book purchase supports the nonprofit organizations selected by each of the 8 chapter authors.
Links
- Lean Six Sigma for Good: Lessons from the Gemba (Volume 1 and Volume 2)
- Need help in your organization?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- Podcast Sponsor: Creative Safety Supply is a great resource for free guides, infographics, and continuous improvement tools. I recommend starting with their 5S guide. It includes breakdowns of the five pillars, ways to begin implementing 5S, and even organization tips and color charts. From red tags to floor marking; it’s all there. Download it for free at creativesafetysupply.com/5S
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Podcasters.Spotify.com
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leansixsigmabursts/message
When I talk to clients about training their team, that usually opens up a lot of questions in my mind that we'll need to discuss before I can give them a ballpark number quote.
In this podcast, I run through the questions you need to consider in order to create an effective training program that will result in hands-on application and payback on the investment, while keeping the costs minimal.
If you'd like to get a quote for some training options, fill out this training request form, and we'll be in touch, or contact me at brion@biz-pi.com
Links
- Article: What is the best option for our company to receive the most effective Lean Six Sigma Training and Coaching?
- Training Request Form
- Need help in your organization?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- Podcast Sponsor: Creative Safety Supply is a great resource for free guides, infographics, and continuous improvement tools. I recommend starting with their 5S guide. It includes breakdowns of the five pillars, ways to begin implementing 5S, and even organization tips and color charts. From red tags to floor marking; it’s all there. Download it for free at creativesafetysupply.com/5S
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Podcasters.Spotify.com
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leansixsigmabursts/message
To explain the concepts of hypothesis testing (null and alternative hypothesis statements), I use an example of James Bond. His famous line is "shaken, not stirred" when ordering a martini.
In a hypothesis test, we would set the null (default) hypothesis to say that he cannot tell the difference. The alternative hypothesis would be proven if there was data showing he could tell the difference (better than guessing or chance).
Hope this helps you understand the concept of hypothesis testing a little more clearly.
Are you interested? Contact me at brion@biz-pi.com
Links
- Need help in your organization?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- Podcast Sponsor: Creative Safety Supply is a great resource for free guides, infographics, and continuous improvement tools. I recommend starting with their 5S guide. It includes breakdowns of the five pillars, ways to begin implementing 5S, and even organization tips and color charts. From red tags to floor marking; it’s all there. Download it for free at creativesafetysupply.com/5S
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Podcasters.Spotify.com
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leansixsigmabursts/message
Back in 2020, I created a course called "Home Efficiency Using Japanese Lean Productivity Techniques" and I'm offering a free coaching program this month to help you complete the course and get help implementing the concepts into your personal life.
Are you interested? Contact me at brion@biz-pi.com
Links
- Home Efficiency Using Japanese Lean Productivity Techniques (Video course)
Podcast episodes #50-56 (Audio version of course)
- E50: "Lean at Home" Course - Introduction: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leansixsigmabursts/episodes/E50-Lean-at-Home-Course---Introduction-e1f5rl4
- E51: "Lean at Home" Course Module #2 - Selecting a Home Process to Improve: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leansixsigmabursts/episodes/E51-Lean-at-Home-Course-Module-2---Selecting-a-Home-Process-to-Improve-e1f9oj7
- E52: "Lean at Home" Course Module #3 - Collecting Data and Mapping the Process: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leansixsigmabursts/episodes/E52-Lean-at-Home-Course-Module-3---Collecting-Data-and-Mapping-the-Process-e1fteg9
- E53: "Lean at Home" Course Module #4 - How to See the 8 Wastes: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leansixsigmabursts/episodes/E53-Lean-at-Home-Course-Module-4---How-to-See-the-8-Wastes-e1fteqh
- E54: "Lean at Home" Course Module #5 - 5S Method for Home Organization: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leansixsigmabursts/episodes/E54-Lean-at-Home-Course-Module-5---5S-Method-for-Home-Organization-e1ftf5n
- E55: "Lean at Home" Course Module #6 - Error Proofing and Documenting Your New Process: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leansixsigmabursts/episodes/E55-Lean-at-Home-Course-Module-6---Error-Proofing-and-Documenting-Your-New-Process-e1ftfjc
- E56: "Lean at Home" FINAL Course Module #7 - Making Mouthwash Project Example: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leansixsigmabursts/episodes/E56-Lean-at-Home-FINAL-Course-Module-7---Making-Mouthwash-Project-Example-e1ftfq1
- Need help in your organization?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- Podcast Sponsor: Creative Safety Supply is a great resource for free guides, infographics, and continuous improvement tools. I recommend starting with their 5S guide. It includes breakdowns of the five pillars, ways to begin implementing 5S, and even organization tips and color charts. From red tags to floor marking; it’s all there. Download it for free at creativesafetysupply.com/5S
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Podcasters.Spotify.com
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leansixsigmabursts/message
In one of my recent Six Sigma classes, I provide a simplistic explanation of SPC and control charts, and why they are essential to detecting problems quickly in your processes.
If you're interested in learning more about SPC, check out the link below.
Links
- SPC Module within Six Sigma Green Belt Training
- Lean Six Sigma Project Coaching Program
- Need help in your organization?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- Podcast Sponsor: Creative Safety Supply is a great resource for free guides, infographics, and continuous improvement tools. I recommend starting with their 5S guide. It includes breakdowns of the five pillars, ways to begin implementing 5S, and even organization tips and color charts. From red tags to floor marking; it’s all there. Download it for free at creativesafetysupply.com/5S
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Podcasters.Spotify.com
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leansixsigmabursts/message
In one of my recent Lean classes, I discuss the difference between planning kaizen events and working kaizen events. Planning events end up with a 90-day implemenatation plan. Working events end up with 80% completion of actions by the end of the event, with 30 days to complete the remaining 20% of the actions. I try and encourage more working sessions, but planning is sometimes really important to decide where to focus the working sessions in the future.
To better understand this podcast, watch the State of Washington VSM video (about 10 minutes).
Links
- A Glimpse into a Value Stream Map (VSM) - State of Washington DSHS - Video
- Lean Six Sigma Project Coaching Program
- Need help in your organization?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- Podcast Sponsor: Creative Safety Supply is a great resource for free guides, infographics, and continuous improvement tools. I recommend starting with their 5S guide. It includes breakdowns of the five pillars, ways to begin implementing 5S, and even organization tips and color charts. From red tags to floor marking; it’s all there. Download it for free at creativesafetysupply.com/5S
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Podcasters.Spotify.com
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leansixsigmabursts/message
In one of my recent Lean classes, I discuss ways to engage front line workers in working kaizen events. I talk about the differences between working and planning sessions in my last podcast. I discuss options for working ahead, catching up afterwards, having half-day sessions (half kaizen, half working), splitting the event across many shifts, and having the leads and supervisors participate but checking in with the workers frequently.
Links
- Lean Six Sigma Project Coaching Program
- Need help in your organization?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- Podcast Sponsor: Creative Safety Supply is a great resource for free guides, infographics, and continuous improvement tools. I recommend starting with their 5S guide. It includes breakdowns of the five pillars, ways to begin implementing 5S, and even organization tips and color charts. From red tags to floor marking; it’s all there. Download it for free at creativesafetysupply.com/5S
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Podcasters.Spotify.com
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leansixsigmabursts/message
I've been helping set up a webinar series with support from the Iowa Sustainable Business Forum and the Iowa Lean Consortium. There are two webinars you can choose from, or sign up for both.
I will be presenting the first webinar, Lean Methods for Sustainable Organizations. I will introduce those in sustainability roles to Lean methods, which have become some of the most popular improvement methods used in high-performing organizations in manufacturing, healthcare, government and many other industries.
The second webinar, Sustainability for Lean Organizations, will be presented by Adam Hammes from SGS North America. He will help demonstrate to process improvement specialists, engineers, and management the business case for applying risk and quality management strategies like Lean to sustainability performance.
Links
- Lean and Sustainability Webinar Series with ISBF and ILC
- Lean Six Sigma Project Coaching Program
- Need help in your organization?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- Podcast Sponsor: Creative Safety Supply is a great resource for free guides, infographics, and continuous improvement tools. I recommend starting with their 5S guide. It includes breakdowns of the five pillars, ways to begin implementing 5S, and even organization tips and color charts. From red tags to floor marking; it’s all there. Download it for free at creativesafetysupply.com/5S
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Podcasters.Spotify.com
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leansixsigmabursts/message
In this episode, I answer another question in one of my Six Sigma classes. The student said they were having supplier issues, but the data wasn't very good. There is a plan to implement a data collection system, but it might not be ready for a few months. Should she wait until the system is ready and then start her project, or start now and collect the data manually.
Links
- Lean Six Sigma Project Coaching Program
- Need help in your organization?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- Podcast Sponsor: Creative Safety Supply is a great resource for free guides, infographics, and continuous improvement tools. I recommend starting with their 5S guide. It includes breakdowns of the five pillars, ways to begin implementing 5S, and even organization tips and color charts. From red tags to floor marking; it’s all there. Download it for free at creativesafetysupply.com/5S
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Podcasters.Spotify.com
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leansixsigmabursts/message
In this episode, I answer a question in one of my Six Sigma classes. The student said they were not sure if their project could be used, because it alreadys mentions some solutions to the problem, and the training said no solutions can be defined at the beginning of a Six Sigma project. He wanted to know how to handle this situation, which is very common.
Links
- Lean Six Sigma Project Coaching Program
- Need help in your organization?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- Podcast Sponsor: Creative Safety Supply is a great resource for free guides, infographics, and continuous improvement tools. I recommend starting with their 5S guide. It includes breakdowns of the five pillars, ways to begin implementing 5S, and even organization tips and color charts. From red tags to floor marking; it’s all there. Download it for free at creativesafetysupply.com/5S
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Podcasters.Spotify.com
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leansixsigmabursts/message
In this podcast, I discuss the Taguchi Loss Function again, this time using some real-life examples. I discuss hotel pool temperatures, solar eclipses, and fruit ripeness.
I originally talked about this topic in Episode 37, explaining 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.
Hope you enjoy this topic. If you think of other real-life examples, please let me know!
Links
- Solar Eclipse Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKsVT5tzPY4
- Podcast episode #37 - Taguchi Loss Function: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leansixsigmabursts/episodes/E37-What-is-the-Taguchi-Loss-Function-e11qlov
- What is the Taguchi Loss Function?: https://www.leansixsigmadefinition.com/glossary/taguchi-loss-function/
- Need help in your organization?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- Podcast Sponsor: Creative Safety Supply is a great resource for free guides, infographics, and continuous improvement tools. I recommend starting with their 5S guide. It includes breakdowns of the five pillars, ways to begin implementing 5S, and even organization tips and color charts. From red tags to floor marking; it’s all there. Download it for free at creativesafetysupply.com/5S
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Podcasters.Spotify.com
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leansixsigmabursts/message
In this episode, I go through TIM WOODS, which is an acronym to describe the 8 types of waste in a process. As an example, I discuss how the 8 wastes apply to recent camping trips I've been making with my wife this summer and fall. Hopefully, this gives you some ideas on how to see waste in your daily activities and work tasks.
Sorry for the length of this podcast, I guess I had a lot to talk about!
Links
- What is TIM WOODS (8 Wastes)?
- Workshop #1 on Lean Six Sigma and Wasted Food (includes 8 Wastes)
- Need help in your organization?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- Podcast Sponsor: Creative Safety Supply is a great resource for free guides, infographics, and continuous improvement tools. I recommend starting with their 5S guide. It includes breakdowns of the five pillars, ways to begin implementing 5S, and even organization tips and color charts. From red tags to floor marking; it’s all there. Download it for free at creativesafetysupply.com/5S
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Podcasters.Spotify.com
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In this episode, I discuss some common criticisms about Six Sigma that I've been hearing about over the years. These tend to make their rounds on LinkedIn every few months or years, so I wanted to take each one and go much deeper in the podcast than I can online.
Let's start with one of the biggest ones, the 1.5 sigma shift, also called the Motorola Shift.
If there are others you have heard about you'd like me to discuss, contact me and I'll add it to a future episode.
Links
- What is the Motorola Shift?
- Six Sigma Overview and Sigma Levels using Golfing Analogy Video
- Need help in your organization?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- Podcast Sponsor: Creative Safety Supply is a great resource for free guides, infographics, and continuous improvement tools. I recommend starting with their 5S guide. It includes breakdowns of the five pillars, ways to begin implementing 5S, and even organization tips and color charts. From red tags to floor marking; it’s all there. Download it for free at creativesafetysupply.com/5S
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Podcasters.Spotify.com
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leansixsigmabursts/message
In this episode, I discuss my work with a client that is trying to improve their sustainability score. One of the next steps is to establish a goal for electricity reduction, since it is a large contributor to their carbon footprint. I explain how to apply process mapping to heating and cooling a building, and why regression modeling and analysis can be helpful in focusing your electricity reduction efforts.
Links
- Integrating Weather Data into your Analysis: https://leansixsigmaenvironment.org/index.php/integrating-weather-data-into-your-analysis/
- Predicting and reducing electricity consumption: https://leansixsigmaenvironment.org/index.php/predicting-and-reducing-electricity-consumption/
-
Reducing electricity in a large facility or company: https://leansixsigmaenvironment.org/index.php/reducing-electricity-in-a-large-facility-or-company/
-
Need help in your organization?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- Podcast Sponsor: Creative Safety Supply is a great resource for free guides, infographics, and continuous improvement tools. I recommend starting with their 5S guide. It includes breakdowns of the five pillars, ways to begin implementing 5S, and even organization tips and color charts. From red tags to floor marking; it’s all there. Download it for free at creativesafetysupply.com/5S
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Podcasters.Spotify.com
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leansixsigmabursts/message
In this episode, I discuss an interview and discussion I had with Climate Change Professional and former Quality executive, David Saunders. We talk about how to leverage your skills of process and quality improvement to improve the environment and help mitigate climate change.
Links
- Full interview with David Saunders: Video | Audio Podcast
- Need help in your organization?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- Podcast Sponsor: Creative Safety Supply is a great resource for free guides, infographics, and continuous improvement tools. I recommend starting with their 5S guide. It includes breakdowns of the five pillars, ways to begin implementing 5S, and even organization tips and color charts. From red tags to floor marking; it’s all there. Download it for free at creativesafetysupply.com/5S
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Podcasters.Spotify.com
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leansixsigmabursts/message
In this episode, I share some audio from a presentation I gave to Lean Portland for their July Happy Hour. I discussed Statistical Process Control (SPC) and how to detect out of control conditions. I'm sharing two questions that were asked at the end of the talk:
1) For office applications of SPC, what software package would be recommended to make control charts?
2) What control chart do you use if your data is nonnormal?
The full presentation can be watched at the link below.
Links
- 8 Nelson Rules for Detecting Out of Control Conditions in a SPC Chart Presentation - Lean Portland July 2023
- Upcoming Lean Portland Happy Hours
- Need help in your organization?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- Podcast Sponsor: Creative Safety Supply is a great resource for free guides, infographics, and continuous improvement tools. I recommend starting with their 5S guide. It includes breakdowns of the five pillars, ways to begin implementing 5S, and even organization tips and color charts. From red tags to floor marking; it’s all there. Download it for free at creativesafetysupply.com/5S
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Podcasters.Spotify.com
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leansixsigmabursts/message
In this episode, I share the audio from a presentation I gave to Lean Portland for their July Happy Hour. I discuss Statistical Process Control (SPC) and why it's not seen very much in Toyota facilities anymore. I also include a question that was asked related to the transition from monitoring outputs to inputs. The full presentation can be watched at the link below.
Links
- 8 Nelson Rules for Detecting Out of Control Conditions in a SPC Chart Presentation - Lean Portland July 2023
- Toyota Control Charts 1950’s Example - Art Smalley
- Upcoming Lean Portland Happy Hours
- Need help in your organization?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- Podcast Sponsor: Creative Safety Supply is a great resource for free guides, infographics, and continuous improvement tools. I recommend starting with their 5S guide. It includes breakdowns of the five pillars, ways to begin implementing 5S, and even organization tips and color charts. From red tags to floor marking; it’s all there. Download it for free at creativesafetysupply.com/5S
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Podcasters.Spotify.com
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leansixsigmabursts/message
In this episode, I discuss the Washington State Department of Ecology Lean and Green program that I've been supporting the last few years as a consultant. The audio is an interview with the program administrator and my contact point at Ecology, Hugh O'Neill. He shares how this program can help businesses save money, reduce their environmental impact and engage employees. If you are a business in Washington that might be interested, check out the links below. If you're outside of Washington, contact me to learn how we can help you with a customized program. I also invite you to check out my other podcast, "Lean Six Sigma for Good" if you're interested in environmental and societal improvements.
p.s. Hugh is retiring this year, and I'd like to personally thank him for all his work on this topic, and including me in their very important work. You will be missed!
Links
- Washington State Department of Ecology Lean/Green program
- Romac Industries Lean and Green Project Presentation - May 2022
- Lean Six Sigma for Good podcast
- Need help in your organization?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- Podcast Sponsor: Creative Safety Supply is a great resource for free guides, infographics, and continuous improvement tools. I recommend starting with their 5S guide. It includes breakdowns of the five pillars, ways to begin implementing 5S, and even organization tips and color charts. From red tags to floor marking; it’s all there. Download it for free at creativesafetysupply.com/5S
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Podcasters.Spotify.com
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leansixsigmabursts/message
In this episode, I discuss how to measure variation in a process, using Range and Standard Deviation. Variation is an important concept to understand how to improve a process. This was audio from a recent Six Sigma Yellow Belt course I taught. You might have heard of these concepts before, but hopefully it will be a good refresher for you.
Links
- OpEx Learning Yellow Belt Course
- Need help in your organization?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- Podcast Sponsor: Creative Safety Supply is a great resource for free guides, infographics, and continuous improvement tools. I recommend starting with their 5S guide. It includes breakdowns of the five pillars, ways to begin implementing 5S, and even organization tips and color charts. From red tags to floor marking; it’s all there. Download it for free at creativesafetysupply.com/5S
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Podcasters.Spotify.com
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leansixsigmabursts/message
The following topic was taken from one of my recent Yellow Belt courses, explaining how to use Mean (or average) and Median to measure the middle of a set of data, whether it is solar panel production, calories eaten per day or electricity consumed per day.
Links
- OpEx Learning Yellow Belt Course
- Need help in your organization?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- Podcast Sponsor: Creative Safety Supply is a great resource for free guides, infographics, and continuous improvement tools. I recommend starting with their 5S guide. It includes breakdowns of the five pillars, ways to begin implementing 5S, and even organization tips and color charts. From red tags to floor marking; it’s all there. Download it for free at creativesafetysupply.com/5S
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Podcasters.Spotify.com
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leansixsigmabursts/message
For one of my clients, we conducted a survey of their employees to understand if daily huddles were helping them be more engaged in their work. The results of the 7 questions found a statistically significant improvement in scores after the huddles were implemented. Listen to the episode to learn more about the questions and the Paired T-test analysis.
Links
- Article: Survey Shows Daily Huddles Improve Communication and Engagement
- Video: Regina Qu'Appelle Daily Huddles in Unit 5A
- Need help in your organization?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- Podcast Sponsor: Creative Safety Supply is a great resource for free guides, infographics, and continuous improvement tools. I recommend starting with their 5S guide. It includes breakdowns of the five pillars, ways to begin implementing 5S, and even organization tips and color charts. From red tags to floor marking; it’s all there. Download it for free at creativesafetysupply.com/5S
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Podcasters.Spotify.com
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leansixsigmabursts/message
In this episode, I share some audio about DMAIC from a recent class I taught, and I thought you'd find it helpful. I express the importance of ignoring improvement ideas in a DMAIC project until after you go through Define, Measure and Analyze first. You will get pressure to jump to Improve before you're ready, so resist that urge and trust the process.
Links
- What is DMAIC?
- Need help in your organization?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- Podcast Sponsor: Creative Safety Supply is a great resource for free guides, infographics, and continuous improvement tools. I recommend starting with their 5S guide. It includes breakdowns of the five pillars, ways to begin implementing 5S, and even organization tips and color charts. From red tags to floor marking; it’s all there. Download it for free at creativesafetysupply.com/5S
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Podcasters.Spotify.com
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In this episode, I discuss an improvement I made at home, that saved time in my personal life, and why small improvements are worth pursuing and not overlooking. I also discuss how small sample sizes are not a barrier to running statistical tests of significance or hypothesis tests.
Links
- 2 Second Lean with Paul Akers
- Need help in your organization?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- Podcast Sponsor: Creative Safety Supply is a great resource for free guides, infographics, and continuous improvement tools. I recommend starting with their 5S guide. It includes breakdowns of the five pillars, ways to begin implementing 5S, and even organization tips and color charts. From red tags to floor marking; it’s all there. Download it for free at creativesafetysupply.com/5S
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Podcasters.Spotify.com
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In this episode, I discuss the importance of the Control phase in a Six Sigma DMAIC Improvement project, including the key considerations to make before closing out your improvement activity.
- Create a system and/or process to monitor the results
- Update any documentation of the processes and procedures
- Update any training of the processes
- Create a response or mitigation plan in case there is a drop in performance
- Add any visual controls or job aids that can be posted in the work area
- Review incentives to encourage new improvements to be used or followed
- Identify contact names and resources if employee has questions about the new improvements
- Schedule process audits or reviews for the next 30, 60 and 90 days
- Ensure improvements have been labeled, have a clear storage space, and have someone assigned to reorder them or perform maintenance on them (if applicable)?
- Ensure clear ownership of the improvements have taken place by the process owners
Links
- What is DMAIC?
- Need help in your organization?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- Podcast Sponsor: Creative Safety Supply is a great resource for free guides, infographics, and continuous improvement tools. I recommend starting with their 5S guide. It includes breakdowns of the five pillars, ways to begin implementing 5S, and even organization tips and color charts. From red tags to floor marking; it’s all there. Download it for free at creativesafetysupply.com/5S
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Podcasters.Spotify.com
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leansixsigmabursts/message
In this episode, I share the audio from a panel discussion I was asked to participate on Wednesday this week. The discussion was focused on Lean Manufacturing, but we also discussed Six Sigma quite a bit. The event was hosted by the Texas Chapter of the Women in Manufacturing Association. They are the only national and global trade association dedicated to providing year-round support to women who have chosen a career in the manufacturing industry
I'm sharing only the segments when I talked, but I encourage you to listen or watch the entire hour-long discussion. The other panelists were Crystal Davis, Dave Crysler, RaeJean Griffin, Sneha Kumari, and Troy Weier.
I have a link to the association and the recording is in the links section below.
Links
- Women in Manufacturing - Texas Chapter
- Women in Manufacturing Panel Discussion Video
- Need help in your organization?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm
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In this episode, I provide some tips on how to close out a project or improvement effort, when the primary metric may longer than a year before you might be able to see tangible results. I also discuss other things you can do to prove in the short term that your improvements will be effective in the long run.
Links
- Need help in your organization?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm
--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
In this episode, I discuss a project I'm really excited about, the 2nd book release in the Lean Six Sigma for Good book series.
This is the 2nd collection of real-life experiences and stories from Lean and Six Sigma practitioners who have spent time at the "gemba" with not-for-profit organizations. They have generously offered to write a chapter about lessons learned and tools they have applied. There are 8 chapters in total.
- Joe Wojniak and Lynn McCullough: Improving Thrift Shop Donations (interview with authors) - Proceeds donated to TRU Community Care
- Tim Turner: Helping Others By Following The Toyota Way (podcast interview with Tim) - Proceeds donated to Center for Quality People and Organizations (CQPO)
- Douglas Cooper: Lessons from Liberia – Standard Work as the Foundation for Lean Practices - Proceeds donated to Mercy Corps
- Anita Havemann: Reducing Time and Complexity in Nonprofit Accounting - Proceeds donated to Relay Resources
- Steve Bell: Simple Framework for Complex Problems - Proceeds donated to Lean4NGO.org
- lisabeth Swan: Leaning into the Mission of Childcare (podcast interview with Elisabeth) - Proceeds donated to Cape Cod Children’s Place
- Tracy O’Rourke: Increasing Meals Per Hour with Kitchens for Good (podcast interview with Tracy) - Proceeds donated to Kitchens for Good
- Joy E. Mason: Using Six Sigma to Address Racial Equity (podcast interview with Joy) - Proceeds donated to The Six Sigma Racial Equity Institute
I think this is a great book to share with potential volunteers, or nonprofits or public service agencies wanting to learn more about how Lean or Six Sigma can be applied to their organizations.
Links
- Learn more about Lean Six Sigma for Good: Lessons from the Gemba (Volume 2)
- Check out Lean Six Sigma for Good: Lessons from the Gemba (Volume 1) from back in 2019
- Need help in your organization?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm
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In this episode, I discuss two acronyms to help you remember ideas on how you can improve a process.
ECRS stands for Eliminate, Combine, Rearrange, and Simplify.
SPACER stands for Standardize, Parallel processing, Automate, Consolidate, Eliminate and Re-arrange.
I also mention SCAMPER, which is similar to these, and stands for Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Purpose, Eliminate and Reverse.
Links
- ECRS
- SPACER/SCAMPER
- Learn more about the Lean Six Sigma Virtual Coaching and Certification Program
- Need help in your organization?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm
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In this episode, I discuss Action Priority (AP), a newer method for determining which risks from an FMEA should be addressed. Traditionally, the multiplication of Severity, Occurrence and Detection was used to calculate a Risk Priority Number (RPN). Any number over a certain RPN threshold required action to reduce the risk. Action Priority gives three possible outcome for each risk identified: Low, Medium and High, which can make it easier to decide which RPN scores are more important than others. I also discuss the troubles I've had using a RPN threshold with FMEA teams, as they tend to score just below the threshold intentionally.
Links
- Action Priority Lookup Tables (Excel)
- FMEA Tables with Scoring Matrices (Excel)
- Learn more about the Lean Six Sigma Virtual Coaching and Certification Program
- Need help in your organization?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm
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In this episode, I explain a new virtual coaching program I'm launching in January of 2023.
If you or your team would be interested in completing some online Lean or Six Sigma training, completing a kaizen event or a Six Sigma project, and obtaining a certification, I have three approaches that might work for you at different price points:
- Do It With Me (Coaching) – We work closely with you to keep you on track with the training, and we help you with your Six Sigma project or Lean event over a 4-month period. Best combination of self-learning and mentoring.
- Do It Yourself (DIY)– You complete the training and project/event primarily by yourself, with a few hours of our support. Lowest cost option but requires self-discipline.
- Do It For Me (Consulting) – We take the lead on your Six Sigma project or Lean event, and coach/mentor you as needed, with focus on getting tangible results as quickly as possible. Most expensive but effective option.
Links
- Learn more about the Lean Six Sigma Virtual Coaching and Certification Program
- Need help in your organization?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm
--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
In this episode, I explain what a "single-stall production system" means, and why it is superior to the traditional single piece flow assembly line.
Single-stall is a method of work where one highly skilled worker is trained to perform all steps of the process by themselves (often in one stall to reduce floor space), instead of handing off the work to multiple workers in an assembly line.
It can take months or years to develop their skills so they can perform each step at high quality, but it can be the most efficient way to complete a process from beginning to completion.
I share a link to an article I wrote below, and in the episode I explain the videos in the article that better explain the difference between single-stalls and assembly lines.
Links
- Single-stall Production Systems
- Need help in your organization?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
In this episode, I read off an article I just wrote, based on my 20+ years of teaching Lean concepts and principles. These are the topics that get the most attention, solicit the most questions, or are the most eye-opening for my students and clients.
I also announce the launch of a new Lean course I helped create, called Lean Fundamentals.
You can access the FREE Lean Introduction course (first 5 modules) using coupon code "KICKSTARTLEAN-LSSE"
Links
- LinkedIn article: Lean
- Lean Introduction course (Free)
- Lean Fundamentals course ($249 USD)
- Need help in your organization?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm
Links from article
- 8 ways why batching is bad for your business
- Kanban
- Kaizen
- Andon
- 8 Types of Waste
- Reducing your time might seem like lean, but you can easily anger your customers
- Takt time
- Hoshin Kanri
- Learn how to plan a lean event
- What do I do with extra resources as a result of improvement without laying them off?
- Gemba
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In this episode, I share the audio from a recent video I created. The short video highlights four different industry case studies applying Lean principles and concepts.
The 4 organizations highlighted in the video:
- Omark Industries (Manufacturing) - Learn more at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lean_manufacturing
- Appvion (Manufacturing) - featured in the book Lean CEO at https://amzn.to/3QQjNiV
- City of Denver Colorado (Government) - Details available in this video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puaT1KBY7Pg
- Virginia Mason Institute (Healthcare) - More details available at https://www.virginiamasoninstitute.org/resource/surgical-setup-reduction-improves-patient-outcomes/
Links
- Video: Lean Case Studies Across Different Industries - Manufacturing, Government and Healthcare
- Free Lean Introduction course - Use coupon code "KICKSTARTLEAN-LSSE" at checkout
- Need help in your organization?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
In this episode, I share the audio from a recent video I created. The short video highlights four different examples of nonprofits and NGOs applying Lean principles and concepts to social challenges in the local community.
I also announce our new Lean courses: Lean Introduction and Lean Fundamentals. The Lean Introduction course can be accessed for free using coupon code "KICKSTARTLEAN-LSSE"
The 4 nonprofits highlighted in the video:
- St. Bernard Project (New Orleans, LA)
Learn more at https://planet-lean.com/lean-construction-new-orleans-katrina/ * Food Bank For New York CityLearn more at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EedMmMedj3M * Free Geek (Portland, OR)
Learn more at http://www.sustainableengineer.org/free-geek-named-2021-excellence-in-sustainable-development-award-winner/ * Project C.U.R.E. (Houston, TX)
Learn more at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIXDQAUSJD0
Links
- Video: Applying Lean Thinking and Process Improvement to Nonprofits and NGOs Case Studies
- LeanSixSigmaforGood.com - Case studies of nonprofits and governments applying Lean and Six Sigma for the greater good
- Free Lean Introduction course - Use coupon code "KICKSTARTLEAN-LSSE" at checkout
- Need help in your organization?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
In this episode, I read off a recent article I wrote, breaking down the turnover data from the University of Iowa 2021 football season. I explain how I would evaluate their data using categorization and Pareto charts to identify more opportunities to create more turnovers against their opponents, or reduce the number of turnovers caused, which will increase their chance of winning games.
Links
- Hawks Good at Turnovers, But Can Do Better
- Need help in your organization?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
In this episode, I read off an article I wrote back a few years, about how the 5S workplace organization methods compare to the popular home organizing methods of Marie Kondo, developer of the KonMari method, which had become popular through her books and Netflix TV show. There are other links embedded within the article.
Links
- Article: 5S and the KonMari method
- Need help in your organization?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
In this episode, I discuss how I helped someone select a key metric for their Six Sigma project, based on the opportunity to measure and statistically validate the improvement.
Links
- Lean Six Sigma Project Ideas
- Need help in your organization?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
In this episode, I discuss a way to help identify a potential Lean Six Sigma project out of a larger improvement project taking place. Selecting a project is one of the hardest things to complete for those pursuing a Lean Six Sigma certification.
Links
- Lean Six Sigma Project Ideas
- Need help in your organization?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
In this episode, I discuss how I applied the Theory of Constraints (TOC) to come up with additional improvement ideas for a bottleneck process at a client I am working with. Before we invest in more people or equipment (throwing money at the problem), let's make sure we have extracted as much opportunity out of the existing process.
Links
- What is Theory of Constraints?
- Need help in your organization?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
In this episode, I discuss ways in which I've combined current event topics from the Iowa Hawkeyes sports teams with my data analysis and process improvement background. I explain a summary of 4 articles I have written, and invite you to read the ones that are of interest to you.
Links
- True or False? Iowa Football Struggles in Games on the West Coast
- Will Jordan Bohannon Tie or Break the Big Ten 3-Point FG's Made Record?
- Did Iowa Women Suffer from Lack of Fouls in Loss to Creighton?
- Racial Differences in Football Player Retention at the University of Iowa
- Need help in your organization?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
In this episode, I discuss a situation I encountered related to hiring new employees within a set period of time. Thinking about the problem in terms of takt time was helpful, so I thought I'd share that with everyone. If you don't know about takt time, it's a method to establish a pace or rhythm for how often a process needs to complete items. We take the time available divided by the number of items to determine a pace for the work. In this example, we use it to determine how often you need to hire people to meet your goal of 14 candidates. I also include adjustments to the demand to account for losses through the process, such as no-shows, not being qualified, and not accepting the job.
Links
- Takt Time on LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Need help in your organization?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
In this episode, I share the 7th and final module of the free "Lean at home" course, giving you a full example of a home improvement project. Hopefully you will be inspired to make similar improvements to your own personal life.
If you complete a similar project to this at home, you can submit the project workbook to me for review, and obtain a "Lean at Home" certification.
If you want to watch all the videos of this course or access the workbook, you can access the entire free course, called "Home Efficiency Using Japanese Lean Productivity Techniques" at https://business-performance-improvement.thinkific.com/courses/home-efficiency-using-japanese-lean-productivity-techniques
Links
- Free Lean at Home Course
- Need help in your organization?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
In this episode, I share the 6th module of the free "Lean at home" course, giving you ideas about how to error proof your home from mistakes, and documenting the new process using checklists and standard operating procedures or SOPs. At the end of the course, you will have the option to implement a project and get a "Lean at Home" certification.
Over the next few weeks, I will upload other modules from the course. But you don't have to wait.
You can access the entire free course, called "Home Efficiency Using Japanese Lean Productivity Techniques" at https://business-performance-improvement.thinkific.com/courses/home-efficiency-using-japanese-lean-productivity-techniques
Links
- Free Lean at Home Course
- Need help in your organization?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
In this episode, I share the 5th module of the free "Lean at home" course, helping you understand how to organize your home using the 5s method. I also go through an example of organizing my mom's sewing room. At the end of the course, you will have the option to implement a project and get a "Lean at Home" certification.
Over the next few weeks, I will upload other modules from the course. But you don't have to wait.
You can access the entire free course, called "Home Efficiency Using Japanese Lean Productivity Techniques" at https://business-performance-improvement.thinkific.com/courses/home-efficiency-using-japanese-lean-productivity-techniques
Links
- Free Lean at Home Course
- Need help in your organization?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
In this episode, I share the 4th module of the free "Lean at home" course, helping you learn about the 8 forms of waste, and how you can spot these wastes in your home process. At the end of the course, you will have the option to implement a project and get a "Lean at Home" certification.
Over the next few weeks, I will upload other modules from the course. But you don't have to wait.
You can access the entire free course, called "Home Efficiency Using Japanese Lean Productivity Techniques" at https://business-performance-improvement.thinkific.com/courses/home-efficiency-using-japanese-lean-productivity-techniques
Links
- Free Lean at Home Course
- Need help in your organization?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
In this episode, I share the 3rd module of the free "Lean at home" course, giving you ideas about what data to collect, and how to better understand your home processes by creating a process map or spaghetti diagram.
At the end of the course, you will have the option to implement a project and get a "Lean at Home" certification.
Over the next few weeks, I will upload other modules from the course. But you don't have to wait.
You can access the entire free course, called "Home Efficiency Using Japanese Lean Productivity Techniques" at https://business-performance-improvement.thinkific.com/courses/home-efficiency-using-japanese-lean-productivity-techniques
Links
- Free Lean at Home Course
- Need help in your organization?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
In this episode, I share the 2nd module of the free "Lean at home" course, giving you ideas about which process at home you could select for your improvement project. At the end of the course, you will have the option to implement a project and get a "Lean at Home" certification.
Over the next few weeks, I will upload other modules from the course. But you don't have to wait.
You can access the entire free course, called "Home Efficiency Using Japanese Lean Productivity Techniques" at https://business-performance-improvement.thinkific.com/courses/home-efficiency-using-japanese-lean-productivity-techniques
Links
- Free Lean at Home Course
- Need help in your organization?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
In this episode, I share the introductory module of the free "Lean at home" course, explaining why I made this course, and why it's a great starting point for anyone interested in learning and practicing Lean and process improvement methods.
Over the next few weeks, I will upload other modules from the course. But you don't have to wait.
You can access the entire free course, called "Home Efficiency Using Japanese Lean Productivity Techniques" at https://business-performance-improvement.thinkific.com/courses/home-efficiency-using-japanese-lean-productivity-techniques
Links
- Free Lean at Home Course
- Need help in your organization?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
In this episode, I talk about a useful matrix that helps you identify cross-training and skill development opportunities with your team or in your organization. It's called a cross-training matrix, or a skills matrix. Each skill is listed on one side, and each team member is listed on the other side of the matrix. For each combination of skill and person, you determine how much experience they have by filling in a circle (called a harvey ball).
I'm including a link to more details, and an Excel template you can download and use for free.
Links
- Cross-Training Matrix on LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Free Excel Template for Cross-Training Matrix
- Need help in your organization?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
In this episode, I rant about the lack of effort some organizations put into their process improvement programs, and then are surprised that it didn't work, and want to blame the tools and methods, not their strategy for deploying it.
Links
- Need help in your organization?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
In this episode, I read the book review I wrote about the book, "The Lean Dentist." It is based on the lean journey of Dr. Sami Bahri, DDS, who is an experienced dentist in Jacksonville, Florida. He has been an avid learner looking for ways to improve his dental clinic, and shares his transition journey to a "one-patient flow." You might also find the book in its original title, "Follow The Learner."
Links
- Book review: The Lean Dentist (origin blog of this podcast)
- Buy "The Lean Dentist"
- "Go See, Ask Why, Show Respect" luggage tags
- Taiichi Ohno - The Toyota Production System (Audible)
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
In this episode, I talk about the importance of collecting data in the very beginning before you start an improvement project or initiative. The example I use is measuring how much sleep we get a night, and collecting data to see if the current performance is below a target or goal you have. It might not be as bad as you think, or maybe it's worse than you thought. Collect the data first.
Links
- Six Sigma Analysis: Is The COVID-19 Quarantine Helping My Sleep?
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
In this episode, I talk about some other ways to identify waste and opportunity in your process and workday, specifically the tasks that you are not doing, but should be. This proactive work doesn't happen, so you often don't realize that you didn't get around to it. It later shows up as actual waste when something goes wrong or there are problems, but it's too late. Start to notice these proactive activities that you aren't doing as opportunities for improvement.
Links
- Honda Statistical Process Control video
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
In this episode, I go on a little rant about books, and how I estimate there are a lot of unread books in people's homes and offices. I'm considering a challenge to get people to read some of their unread books, or get rid of them and free up space in your home. Would you be interested in this challenge?
Links
- Book: Joy at Work by Marie Kondo and Scott Sonenshein
- Article: 5S and the KonMari method
- Training: FREE "Lean at Home" course (Home Efficiency Using Japanese Lean Productivity Techniques)
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
I was asked a question about how to get started applying Lean and Six Sigma to a non-manufacturing business. I thought about some key questions I would want to ask, and sent them a response. I thought they were good questions, so I wanted to share them on the podcast.
Links
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
During a recent coaching call with a client, we discussed applicability of statistical process control (SPC) and control charts (also called process behavior charts) in their operations. I sent them a link to the Honda SPC video (older but highly recommended) and I share the comments I made to elaborate on what they saw.
Links
- Honda Statistical Process Control video
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
After conducting a Lean 101 webinar for Lean Portland, we had some excellent questions from the attendees, so I thought I share my answers. The first question was looking for advice on how management can support their employees instead of just giving them their idea on what the answers are. The second question asked about how to deal with managers who think that no complaints means no problems. You can watch the full Lean 101 webinar in the links below.
Links
- Lean 101 Webinar
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
After conducting a Lean 101 webinar for Lean Portland, we had some excellent questions from the attendees, so I thought I share my answers. The first question was looking for advice on how to make their forms easier and more streamlined for their customers. The second question asked about how to create psychological safety and build trust in their organization when top management doesn't seem to be driving it. You can watch the Lean 101 webinar in the links below.
Links
- Lean 101 Webinar
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
After conducting a Lean 101 webinar for Lean Portland, we had some excellent questions from the attendees, so I thought I share my answers. The first question was looking for more explanation about batching vs one piece flow. The second question asked about classical vs lean management methods. You can watch the Lean 101 webinar in the links below.
Links
- Lean 101 Webinar
- BIZ-PI.com
- Creative Safety Supply (enter code "BPI" to save 10%)
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
Project charters for improvement projects do not have solutions listed. Instead, they should explain the problem, the management support for this project, the key team members, the scope, the timeline and key metrics of success. They should not have the proposed solution, as we shouldn't have that figured out yet. We still need to follow the problem solving approach. I explain my thoughts on this in more depth.
Links
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
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
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
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
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
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
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
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
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
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
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
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
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
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
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
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
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
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
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
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
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
One of the most impactful quality initiatives I was involved with was the creation and deployment of the Cost of Nonconformance (CoNC) report. It was a method to assign a dollar amount to quality problems in order to bring attention to management in the language they most often respond to, money! It could also be applied more broadly beyond just quality issues to any type of waste to increase visibility for your Lean or Six Sigma initiative. Check out our Cost of Poor Quality course at https://www.biz-pi.com/product/cost-of-poor-quality-copq-course/
Links
- BIZ-PI.com
- Cost of Poor Quality Course
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Creative Safety Supply
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
In process improvement, there is a strong focus of data. But in order to analyze data for an improvement project, you need to know what type of data you have or need, so you can perform the correct analysis. I share the different types of data you may encounter for your project.
Links
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
I saw a recent question in a forum, asking about the origin of the sample size of 30 data points. I decided to read you the response I gave, and make it a new blog post on my website.
Links
- Article: Why do we need 30 data samples?
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
I share an article I wrote back in Dec 2013 about reducing or eliminating test or inspection steps using Six Sigma analysis methods of capability and stability, along with risk mitigation tools like FMEA and error proofing.
Links
- Article: Top 3 things to validate before removing test or inspection steps
- Article: Which Should You Use Cpk or Ppk?
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
I share an interview I did with Mark Graban about why I created this podcast. He included me in a new networking group called Lean Communicators. We are a group of podcasters that talk about Lean, and we meet about once a month to discuss best practices and learn from each other. Check out the website of all the contributors at LeanCommunicators.com, where you can subscribe to an email list of new episodes from all contributors, or subscribe to individual podcasts. You can also follow us on LinkedIn using #LeanCommunicators. Mark also appeared in Episode 11 of this podcast, so you can hear his questions and my responses.
Links
- LeanCommunicators.com
- LinkedIn #LeanCommunicators
- Lean Blog Podcast #394 with Mark Graban - Interviews with Lean Communicators network
- Lean Six Sigma Bursts - Episode 11 with Mark Graban
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
Most people calculate the average when summarizing data, but what about the median? The median is not as sensitive to outliers and skewed data, and can be a better indicator of the typical or most common outcome in your data.
Links
- Wikipedia: Median
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
Do you see problems recur later after all the attention has gone away? That could be the Hawthorne Effect at work, which can create confusion on whether your improvements are actually working.
Links
- Wikipedia: Hawthorne Effect
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
When I facilitate mapping events, after completing the current state map and before we create the future state map, I like to first walk the team through an ideal state discussion. I categorized these concepts and share the list with you in this podcast.
Links
- Why I like using the Ideal State Mapping approach
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
Ground rules are an important element of running a successful process improvement event (called Kaizen Blitz or Kaikaku events). In this podcast, I share a compiled list of rules that you can use as a starting point for your next improvement workshop.
Links
- List of Typical Lean Kaizen Event Ground Rules
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
During some recent travel, my wife and I ended up watching multiple episodes of "Bar Rescue."
I've watched the show for many years, so I re-watched it with a new lens, now that I'm consulting on my own.
As I thought about my approach to consulting, how would I help these bars and restaurants make dramatic improvements?
Listen for my comparison of how I would prefer to help these bars versus the approach used by host Jon Taffer.
Links
- JonTaffer.com
- Bar Rescue Show
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
I discuss the Lean approach to writing a book, which is how I published my first 2.5 books. LeanPub.com allows you to write and publish your book for free and release similar to software, instead of one large batch like in traditional book publishing.
Links
- LeanPub.com
- Lean Six Sigma for Good: How improvement experts can help people in need, and help improve the environment
- Lean Six Sigma for Good: Lessons from the Gemba (Volume 1)
- Lean Six Sigma for Good: Lessons from the Gemba (Volume 2)
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
I discuss the internal Lean Six Sigma certification program I helped develop and implement at Rockwell Collins (now Collins Aerospace), and why I think it's a good model for other organizations to consider if you want to offer certifications.
Links
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
If you've struggled to decide what improvement project to work on at work or for a certification project, check out this list of project or event ideas that you could consider for your industry. I have examples from the following categories: Personal Life, Finance and Accounting, Human Resources, Sales, Shipping/Receiving and Warehouse, Information Technology (IT), Product/Service Design, Call Center, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Sports, Grocery/Supermarket, Nonprofits, Environment, Corporate Responsibility, Diversity/Equity and Inclusion, and Education.
This is a longer podcast than usual, so I apologize but hope you found it useful!
Links
- Lean and Six Sigma Project Ideas
- Check out our FREE “Lean at Home” online course for ways to improve your personal life!
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
I try to simplify some confusion about the 7 types of waste (or are there 14 types?), the 3 M's, and explain simpler ways to think about opportunities in a process.
Links
- Article: From 7 Wastes to 3 – The Yamada Method
- Acronyms for remembering the wastes
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
I finished writing an article about two sustainability certification programs that require continuous improvement, but don't give guidance on how to do that. I explain why I think Lean is the best method to adopt for these mission-driven organizations. I also share examples below in the links about why I think Toyota is a leader in community engagement and environmental causes, not just financial performance.
Links
- Article: Continuous Improvement key to B Corps, Fair Trade and other mission-driven organizations
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
Toyota
- Toyota Kentucky facility reflects parent company’s commitment to the environment
- Toyota and the Earth Charter
- Toyota Production System Support Center (TSSC) - Donates time to nonprofits and government agencies
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
I had a call this week helping out with a Black Belt project, and I was reminded about the Standardize-Do-Check-Act model that should be implemented first, before trying to make improvements to a process using the PDCA model (Plan-Do-Check-Act)
Links
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Kaizen - The Key to Japan's Competitive Success by Masaaki Imai
- Photo from Masaaki Imai's "Kaizen" book about SDCA and PDCA
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
I received two questions from Mark Graban about my first episode. He is a well-known Lean consultant with expertise in the healthcare industry, and has authored multiple books, including Lean Hospitals and Healthcare Kaizen and Measures of Success. He is also the host of multiple podcasts, including Lean Blog and My Favorite Mistake. Learn more about him at MarkGraban.com
Links
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Episode 1: Why are Six Sigma Black Belts paid so much?
- MarkGraban.com
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
During Lean and Six Sigma classes, I meet a lot of people who are good problem solvers already, and they mention that the topics are similar to how they approach problems. Here are some of my observations about my interactions with them, and what takeaways I gathered.
Links
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
I share exciting news that we have digital access to Norman Bodek's past PRODUCTIVITY newsletters from 1980-1993. He lived in Vancouver, Washington (near Portland), but was moving to Japan permanently, and we have scanned in the documents for you to search, download and review.
Links
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- PRODUCTIVITY newsletters and interviews with Norman Bodek
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
I discuss the simple visual management templates called SQDC (also called QDIP). These visuals help simplify the daily management for a process area, to quickly bring attention to areas that need help. A video of the discussion is available on the product page in the link below
Links
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Watch a video or download the SQDC templates
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
I discuss the Lean at Home contest being run by Lean Portland. We are giving away $200 in prizes to those who submit an improvement project at home that was completed in the last 6 months. We also have a free online course you can take if you need some help!
Links
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- "Lean at Home" contest
- "Lean at Home" - Free online course
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
I explain what Pareto charts are, and why they should be used more often than they are. I also summarize an older article I wrote about changing the way to display these charts.
Links
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com (Pareto)
- New spin (literally) on an old quality tool
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
I explain how and when hypothesis tests can be used, based on a recent article I wrote, which looked at the racial inequities brought up by football players at the University of Iowa and the data that can support these claims.
Links
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Affordable Green Belt Training
- Racial Differences in Football Player Retention at the University of Iowa
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
I created a video that accompanies this quick explanation of DMAIC, which stands for Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control. DMAIC is the core structure used in Six Sigma projects
Links
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Video of DMAIC Overview
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
In this episode, I discuss the Influencer behavior change model, and how it applies to getting people to wear their masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19
Links
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
- Article: How Behavior Change Can Influence Wearing of Masks
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
In this episode, I answer a question I often receive about how to categorize financial cost savings from improvement, either hard or soft, and what is the difference?
Links
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message
In this first episode, I answer a question I received about salaries for Six Sigma Black Belts, and why I think they make good money.
Links
- BIZ-PI.com
- LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leansixsigmabursts/message