Facility Efficiency

Continuous improvement can make a process better, improve safety and save dollars. But it's a waste of time if the customer doesn't like the end result. How will the customer benefit? That’s the first question a company must ask itself before… …

Respect For People is a crucial part of lean and A3. Lean guru Bill Greider tells how A3 teams can implement continuous improvement in an organization. Bill heads P4 Lean Strategy Consulting, coaching companies on using A3 teams to eliminate accidents,… …

Lean IT expert Steve Bell helps solve the long-standing battle between a company’s goal of Continuous Improvement and the perceived lack of IT's agility. It’s a constant friction between the boss wanting computer/network changes now, and IT wanting to slow… …

Lean success means increasing safety and efficiency. Yes, improve operations and save money simultaneously. Lean implementer Matt Wrye explains how. Matt is a lean expert, with a passion for continuous learning on all subjects related to business and lean. He is… …

The old suggestion box used to be a fair way for employees to offer ideas at their organization. However, over the years, it's become a rusty, forgotten box with little hope of future use. In this podcast, Rich Kneece of The… …

Why do workers resist lean culture? Lean methodology expert Karen Wilhelm explains why employees are often suspicious of lean, and how to get them on board. In this podcast, Ms. Wilhelm talks about a human behavior study done years ago by… …

Starting A Visual Workplace—improving efficiency with Visuality. Dr. Gwendolyn Galsworth explains better work flow through visual devices. Dr. Galsworth defines the Visual Workplace as “A work environment that is self ordering, self explaining, self regulating and self improving where what is… …

Starting Lean Six Sigma, Pt. 2 continues with Six Sigma Black Belt Chuck Hardy. Chuck tells of the value of a mentor. He offers advice on books to help anyone on their Lean / Six Sigma quest. Mr. Hardy also… …

Starting Lean Six Sigma with an expert. Chuck Hardy is a Black Belt in Six Sigma. Chuck tells of lean as a cultural thing. Brandon Nys and Kyle Holland interview Chuck about lean and Six Sigma systems. In this podcast, you’ll hear… …

Lean Methodology In Healthcare — hear Mark Graban on 5S, Six Sigma, and “lean Sigma” in the medical world. Mark Graban is the CIO of KaiNexus, a technology and software company enabling continuous improvement in organizations. Brandon Nys talks with Mr. Graban… …

PPE vending machines in the workplace can increase safety and lower cost. Hear about the many types of machines and the five arguments for installing one. Personal protective equipment dispensed by machine can be a big benefit for workers. They have… …

Lifting devices at work can reduce injuries and increase efficiency. Hear four detailed reasons why forklifts, conveyors and hoists are good investments. Workers can avoid sprains, fractures and musculoskeletal injuries if they use lifting devices. Dollies, hand trucks, or wheelbarrows can… …

Owners and managers—the bosses—don’t often like change. Try “continuous improvement” to improve safety and efficiency. Start with no budget, in a small area to prove it and catch their attention. First, learn all you can about efficiency programs such as 5S,… …

OEE losses, the losses in Overall Equipment Effectiveness, can impact safety and cripple work-in-process. Learn here how to save time and money, and keep workers safer. Breakdowns are unsafe, and unproductive. Regular maintenance reduces breakdown frequency. Keep replacement equipment and spare… …

Workplace hazards are sometimes hidden in plain sight. Workers and managers need to be aware of 10 dangerous hotspots in facilities. Fall protection is needed on ledges, stairs and places people may slip and fall. Air quality is often ignored because… …

Lean safety is the result of implementing “lean” methodology. Lean makes businesses less wasteful, more efficient and more profitable. An efficient workplace is a safer workplace. Simultaneous increases in efficiency and safety are seen at a Minnesota factory. The assembly line… …

Increase efficiency by red-tagging items you don’t need immediately. Store them or get rid of them. Red tagging is part of “Sort”, one of the five elements of a Japanese system of streamlining manufacturing called 5S. The five elements of 5S… …