What is a Kaizen Event?

Kaizen events have been utilized since the 1980's to improve processes within factories, offices, and healthcare facilities.  However, they are often misunderstood and implemented incorrectly.  We have created a very basic and humorous video explaining the basics of kaizen events.  On March 7th, we are holding a one day workshop that covers this topic: Kaizen Events: 5S, Visual Controls, and Mistake Proofing,

Lean Certification

We are once again offering our Lean Manufacturing Certification training program in Orange County, California beginning next week on August 15th.  We've been running this program since 2003, and it continues to draw a diverse group of participants.  This program, which runs 2 days per month for 4 months, covers all of the major concepts and methodologies within lean thinking: continuous improvement and kaizen, flow and pull, leveling work, standardized work, mistake proofing, problem solving, team facilitation skills, value stream mapping, and breakthrough kaizen events.  If you are unable to attend this program but are still interested in lean manufacturing certification and training, you might consider our online lean manufacturing certification program or our blended-learning (part instructor-led, part online) lean manufacturing certification program.  Our next blended-learning program will take place in San Diego, CA on October 23-25, 2012.  Below is a brief video that talks about our lean training programs.  To learn more about our training programs, visit our Lean Manufacturing Training page.

5S and Improving Flow

Our February 2010 newsletter is out. In this month's edition, we talk about 5S and improving flow. 5S is often thought of as simply as organizing tools and cleaning up a factory or office. In fact, it is much more than that. In our latest newsletter, we talk about how implementing 5S can help improve flow in an office, factory, or warehouse environment. To check it out, visit: http://www.emsstrategies.com/newsletter020110.htm.

Implementing Lean in 2010

EMS Consulting Group's December newsletter is out. This month we're talking about Implementing Lean in 2010. As a person who believes lean thinking is superior to the traditional approach to operations, I believe anytime is a good time to begin a lean transformation. Given the state of the economy, 2010 might be a particularly good time to begin. In our latest newsletter, we talk about the state of the economy and why lean transformation makes sense now. To check it out, visit: http://www.emsstrategies.com/newsletter120109.htm