Lean Thoughts

xperiencing company misalignment as each departments moved forward with its own projection. Our salespeople set revenue goals, our controller had a year-over-year budget, and Operations had its excel sheets and run rates. All three pseudo-forecasts were vastly different. What resulted were overstocks, stock-outs, and unrealistic budgeting. We needed someone to take ownership of the forecast – but who?

We're already LEAN !! After twenty years, 221 clients, and more than $100 million in documented savings, I've heard that phrase more times than I can count.

Remember that questioning the status quo can lead to new discoveries and a more fulfilling life.

I have something that you don't have, but would definitely appreciate and even perhaps enjoy. I have an almost unrestricted access to Nikola Danaylov my go to Subject Matter Expert (SME) regarding anything AI.

Bad planning is a major cause of ERP implementation failure, and it’s important to establish specific goals and objectives, assess current processes, and create a comprehensive workflow outline..

When a company tells me they have gone LEAN, it actually means they have most likely simply given up or stalled. I snicker at programs offering some sort of martial belt of accomplishment or an outright offering of LEAN Certification.

The most successful form of managing material conveyance seems to be the "HEY" system ... "hey, I need a forklift to move this pallet".

Luck IS a Strategy? Of course it can be. Most likely not the best decision. Unfortunately a strategy more companies are taking than considering other options.

You know the "D" word I am talking about. The aspirational word uttered by about every leader I work with. That super-attractive, theoretical, ever-elusive, I-know-I-need-to-do-it-but-can-never-figure-out-how word. That word that will unlock the key to success or, at a minimum, sanity:

Looking at you, and your productivity style will be able to slot you into a specific Productivity category. None are either good or bad it just is you.

Disruptive Technology had to be distinctively different to make an impact.

Alarm Bells were sounded, highlighting a critical concern that Standardized Work was eliminating Innovation within the workplace.

This post is not to question making changes but rather how. First, you when you decide to machine a part you would not start until someone had provided you with a drawing so you know what you will be creating. Similar if you decide to build a house I am certain you will start with some key requirements like the number of bedrooms and bathrooms ... the requirements will then be incorporated into a blueprint so the builder will understand what you want and the blueprint quanti

The infection rate of Emotional Stress dramatically increases when your processes are unpredictable..

another AI Guru in a seminar who quickly advised me that even a mathematical formula is AI.

whether a product or service should be dual sourced. Before we explore the merits of both let us first place the provider in the proper context.

Whether you’re in retail, service or manufacturing, it is all about CASH! As much as things change… the one constant measurement of a successful business is the amount of positive cash flow generated.

Never forget: Your employees are a top asset, but if you botch your relationships with them, you could create a work environment with low morale and little productivity.

Leverage your Value Stream Mapping exercises to become more environmentally friendly.

Some people are placed into Leadership positions but that does not make them a Leader until they have amassed a group of loyal followers.