Value Stream Mapping and Daily Kaizen Using Toyota Kata

After having been introduced to us by James Womack and Daniel Jones in the book Lean Thinking back in the '90's and then explained thoroughly in the book Learning to See by lean experts Mike Rother and John Shook, Value Stream Mapping has endured as one of the most talked-about Lean methods.  Daily kaizen, the idea that improvement should happen everyday, is also an often discussed concept within Lean Manufacturing.  But, what is the relationship between these two concepts?  This video explains the relationship between value stream mapping and daily kaizen utilizing the Improvement Kata (introduced to us by Mike Rother in the book Toyota Kata).

Lean Supply Chain Video

About 6 years ago, Productivity Press published my book on Lean Supply Chain, Improving the Extended Value Stream: Lean for the Entire Supply Chain.  Since then, much more has been written on this topic, but very few organizations have successfully created lean supply chains.   Many organizations have created "supplier kanban" systems that have resulted in frustration for their suppliers.  The problem in many cases is that these organizations that claim to be "lean" have not created level pull in their own value streams.  Instead of having a pacemaker process that runs smoothly to takt time, their production schedule represents wild changes in mix and volume.  This is a sure recipe for lean supply chain failure which will leave suppliers with a significant misunderstanding of lean thinking.  If your organization is considering creating a lean supply chain, make sure that you have created a lean internal value stream first.  This includes creating operational stability including leveled production and connecting flow throughout the value stream.  It is only then that you can truly create a lean supply chain. 

Following is a brief animated video about a gentleman from a company that is meeting with a representative from a key supplier.  He explains to her how he would like to have a "lean" supply chain by dictating price reductions and forcing the supplier to hold inventory for them. The supplier, who has some knowledge of lean, sets the customer straight on what lean means to a supplier relationship.

Lean Certification Program San Diego December 2011

EMS Consulting Group, Inc. has just announced a Lean Manufacturing certification program to take place in San Diego, CA on December 6-8, 2011. This program includes 3 consecutive days of hands-on training including team activities, simulation, and videos. An optional plant tour of a lean facility is available on the morning of December 9th. The program also includes supplemental online training that covers additional topics that are part of the body of knowledge required for the certification.

Please view our press release for more information: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2011/9/prweb8828719.htm

Leveling the Workload

Our June 2011 newsletter is out, and we're covering a topic that is vital to creating lean value streams and lean supply chains: leveling the workload. To learn more, visit:

http://www.emsstrategies.com/newsletter060111.htm

We've also recently setup the dates for our Fall Lean Certification program beginning in August; attendees who register by the end of this month will receive a $200 discount:

http://www.emsstrategies.com/trainingservices.html