Lean Action Research
Our Action Research ...
Our action research began with public and in-house training in value stream mapping and the other building blocks of lean operations. These are most effective using an in-house example and when carried through to a future state and action plan. We also carry out many value stream design workshops to help lean leaders and trainers reconfigure all kinds of value streams from raw materials to end users and from customer demand through office processes to production and service delivery.
Needs different approaches ...
We found that different approaches are necessary to break the prevailing mind set in different circumstances. Establishing basic stability is the right starting point in machining and assembly and establishing a common rhythm is the key in warehousing and distribution. In process industries with a large product mix Ian Glenday discovered the key is to separate the few high volume products from the many low volume products. He describes this in our first workbook Breaking Through to Flow and runs breakthrough workshops in many different environments.
For Lasting Results
Recently we have been working with several organisations to help them design and implement enterprise wide lean transformations. Our research experience tells us the only results that last are those done by employees themselves. Senseis and consultants can help to learn lean but it is an illusion to think they can do it for you. Lean progress lasts if it is led by managers who have clearly defined the business problem that needs to be solved, who have learnt how lean can help to solve that problem and who are able to develop a plan of action they will lead and follow up on.
Using the Right Tools
The skill of the lean thinker is to help employees to use the right tools in the right places in the right sequence to achieve the desired improvements in value stream performance. These value streams have to be aligned within a policy management process and continually improved by developing the problem solving capabilities of employees using A3 thinking.
The Next Steps ...
We are currently looking for pioneering organisations willing to work with us to develop new ways of defining value from the customer’s perspective - in healthcare, financial services, communications, mobility, personal logistics and shelter. This entails finding new ways of helping consumers manage their consumption processes, developing a two-way dialogue with them and designing new processes to deliver value and ultimately new business models delivering Lean Solutions.
