Sometimes as Small business owners it is difficult to get out of the doing mode and actually look at the process for improvement. How can we make time to improve everyday? How do we fit it into our daily routines? Here are some simple tips of how to use the scientific method to improve your processes without it feeling like more work…
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I am a firm believer of a long term approach to all company improvement strategies. Whether you are using Lean Manufacturing, Toyota Production System, Six Sigma….Theory of Constraints or some other approach, It should be a longer term approach focused on creating a culture that empowers the entire company to improve and solve problems on a daily basis. I’m not going to debate the “approach”…that was another blog post that you can read here when you feel the desire. I want to talk about why some short term impact is important and how the company financials should play a part in your work.
I was very fortunate to be a part of this Lean Transformation from the very initial involvement of the Toyota Supplier Support Center (TSSC). This was the start of my Lean Journey with Toyota and eventually went to work for TSSC for a year and a half to learn more about the Toyota way and bring it back to Herman Miller. This was a great turning point in my career in Lean Manufacturing. This video does a great job of summarizing the long journey of Kaizen to create an entirely different capability and culture of problem solving and meeting customer needs.
On the Business Owners Radio podcast we discussed using the lean manufacturing approach to run a more profitable business. Business owners of all industries and sizes could benefit from the lean approach, whether you are in the service industry, manufacturing, healthcare, or another industry. The approach to develop a continuous improvement culture makes sense in all businesses.
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At EHIIP Consulting, we are always trying to make sure our Clients are taking a Holistic View to Implementing a Lean Manufacturing Strategy. On the Industry Talk Podcast, we dive into what Lean Manufacturing is and how we can help many different types of customers start a Lean Journey that helps their company short term and long term.
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Yes, I said it….who really cares if it is called Lean Manufacturing or TPS…and I believe it 100%. The truth is that there are many consultants and “experts” out there that focus way too much time criticizing work going on around us because of terminology and not based on knowledge of that persons approach.
Disclaimer…
So my background is in the Toyota Production System (TPS). I have worked with, for, and been mentored by Toyota for over 20 years in one capacity or another. All of my learning and approach is based on TPS and I credit them with everything that I do in my consulting practice. The reality is that I refer to or call what I do “Lean” on a daily basis. And I am ok with that.
Let me repeat “I call what I do ‘lean Manufacturing’ on a daily basis. And I am ok with that.”
Having a clear plan for growing revenue is almost always the first thing that Leaders focus on…but there are other things that are just as important as Revenue, and maybe even more important. Lean Manufacturing helps business leaders look at growth and make sure there is a clear plan for Capacity, Capability, and Margin growth which is key for the growth to be successful.
Listen NowAre you looking to Grow your Consulting Business, Manufacturing business, etc….good! But it is important to think about the Lean Manufacturing approach and make sure that the growth is done in a responsible and sustainable way.
There seems to be a divide in the Lean Consulting Community around the Toyota Way approach versus the Lean Manufacturing approach. Well, I think this is ridiculous. Too many Lean Consultants are getting wrapped up in terminology instead of looking at the actual Lean Thinking approach that is being used, despite the terminology.
Quick talk about the importance of Culture in any Lean Manufacturing implementation. Everyone seems to love the Lean Tools that are very popular, but often too many leaders forget to focus enough on the Lean Culture that needs to be developed and is ultimately the driver in any sustainable Lean Manufacturing implementation.
EHIIP Consulting is a US based Lean Consulting Company bringing years of experience of the Toyota Production System. Providing Lean consulting services, Lean Training, and other Lean Strategic help to companies looking to improve their internal capabilities. EHIIP has a long history of Privately owned and Private Equity own clients.
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