Category: Lean Manufacturing

Lean Manufacturing optimizes production by eliminating waste and improving efficiency. Explore articles on Lean methods, tools like Kaizen and 5S, and best practices for achieving a more agile and high-performance industrial management.

  • What tools are needed for a Lean deployment using the DMAIC method?

    What tools are needed for a Lean deployment using the DMAIC method?

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    What tools are needed for a Lean deployment using the DMAIC method?

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    Most of the time, when people ask for a definition of Lean, the answer given is often a list of tools, which in no way reflects the approach.

    Knowledge and mastery of Lean tools is central, but knowing how to make the right diagnosis is also vital. The two work together and are inseparable.

    In this article, we’ll look at the DMAIC method and its appropriate tools. The list of tools provided is not exhaustive, but will help you find your way around and adapt it to your situation.

    The DMAIC process combines the concept of diagnosis with the use of associated tools, enabling activities to be ordered on the basis of data collected, while using tools specific to each stage of the method.

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    Step 1: Define

    The tools used for this stage will make it possible to :

    – Defining the scope and limits of the project and the project team

    – Map the process in order to study it, identify the influencing factors and identify the various flows.

    – Summarise and formalise customer requirements

    The tools :

        • The project charter : A document issued by the project sponsor containing the information needed to bring the project to a successful conclusion.
        • VOC – Voice of Customer : It’s an information-gathering tool used to identify customer needs.
        • SIPOC – Suppliers-Inputs-Process-Outputs-Customers This will enable you to identify the perimeter on which you need to act.
        • VSM – Value Stream Mapping This tool allows you to map the process in its initial state.
        • Flow chart Schematic representation of process activities.

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    Step 2: Measure

     

    The Measure stage is a data compilation stage, and the tools used will enable :

    – Measure customer satisfaction parameters and the process factors that influence them

    – Collecting data

    – Analysing the data

    The tools :

        • Analyse des flux : C’est un outil graphique qui simplifie un processus opérationnel en éliminant toutes les étapes inutiles. C’est une méthode de collecte de données basée sur l’observation sur le terrain.
        • Capability : Capability is a method of measuring the ability of a machine, process or measuring device to achieve a required performance.
        • Pareto chart : This is an analysis tool for determining the importance of different phenomena.

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    Step 3: Analyse

     

    For this stage the tools are used to :

    – Make the data collected and the process analyses speak for themselves

    – Identify the root causes of malfunctions

    – Determine the variables and their causes

    The tools :

        • Brainstorming: This is a formalised technical method for creative and collective problem solving.
        • 5M: This is a method of finding causes based on 5 themes: manpower, machine, environment, method, material.
        • FMEA – Failure Modes, Effects and Criticality Analysis : This predictive risk analysis method is based on the identification, analysis and evaluation of potential failures in the system under study.
        • Benchmarking : This is an approach designed to compare the company, its organization and its processes with its partners and, in the best of cases, with its competitors.

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    Stage 4: Innovation

     

    The Innovate stage allows the implementation of the solution(s) to move from theory to practice:

    – Confirm the assumptions made in the Analyse phase

    – Implementing improvement solutions

    – Check the effectiveness of the solution(s)

    The tools :

        • The standard: This is a tool for focusing on added value, without waste, by using the best known way of performing a task at a given time.
        • Design of experiments : The aim of design of experiments is to study the influence of modifying different parameters on the same process.
        • VSM – Value Stream Mapping Cible : This tool enables you to map your target process, highlighting the improvement projects needed to achieve it.
        • QQOQCP – Who? Who? Where? When? How? Why? It’s a questioning method based on the use of Who, What, Where, When, How and Why questions to identify a situation.

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    Step 5: Check

     

    The tools used in this stage are used to :

    – Communicating objectives

    – Check that the project is running smoothly

    – Maitriser les changements

    The tools :

        • Visual management: This is a tool for communicating information visually, helping to clear up misunderstandings, save time and highlight drifts.
        • Performance indicators: A tool for assessing the achievement of these objectives.
        • Control cards A tool used to monitor and control a manufacturing process. The cards define control limits within the customer’s tolerances, and act as a warning system during production by taking and measuring samples.

    There are a number of other tools that can be used depending on your situation. The real added value is not in knowing as much as you can, but in knowing how to make the right diagnosis and how to select the tools that will enable you to uncover the bottlenecks, analyse the root causes and find solutions.

    You will soon be able to find out more about the DMAIC method and the tools used for your Lean deployment in our Lean Academy, soon to be available on our TEEPTRAK website.

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  • People at the heart of Lean and continuous improvement in business

    People at the heart of Lean and continuous improvement in business

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    People at the heart of Lean and continuous improvement in business

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    The Lean approach is based on the continuous improvement of procedures to achieve results in terms of business performance. However, it is often reduced to the implementation of tools and methods without taking the human aspect into account.

    We must not forget that the company is made up of a group of individuals who are at the heart of all these changes. It is often because this human aspect is overlooked that the Lean approach is sometimes criticised and demonised.

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    Every employee is key to the success of a Lean approach

    The challenge and the success of a Lean approach are indeed to put people at the heart of the projects, and to do this we must not see a resource as being adjustable but as an intangible asset that is difficult to quantify.

    The employees in the field are those who have acquired and consolidated their skills over the years in the field, so the Lean approach must be based on listening to them and analysing what is their area of expertise and what can be standardised.

    That’s why it’s important to bear in mind that change management as part of a Lean approach aims to develop people and teams through their involvement, responsibility and participation.

    For your approach to be a success, you need to combine a theoretical approach with expertise in the field.[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|300|||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]

    Giving meaning to human action

    The meaning we give to our daily actions is one of the main motivating factors in moving forward in our lives, so it’s essential to know that what we do has meaning.

    It is essential that everyone is involved and follows the objectives assigned to them in this perspective of collective action and intelligence. By taking the time to communicate, to simplify work and to spend time resolving operational problems, the Lean approach makes it possible to give meaning back to work and to satisfying customer needs.

    In this way, employees can situate themselves within an organisation while directly witnessing the impact of their actions on the company as a whole.[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|300|||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”16px” custom_margin=”||70px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]

    Creating dialogue between the men and women in the company building trust

    Valuing, respecting and recognising the work done are essential sources of motivation. Rather than excessive control, prefer listening, dialogue and trust. This requires the Lean manager to possess certain qualities: support and guidance for his team, regular presence in the field, and an interest in the individual as much as in the work he does.

    This creation of dialogue and a climate of trust reduces the distance between managers and employees, so that each individual can express him or herself within the team to make the process as successful as possible.

    In conclusion, the Lean approach is primarily a human approach. Once the right communication channel has been found, people listen to each other, understand each other and work together to find the best solutions.

    Our world is constantly changing, and technology is changing with it. So we need to make this change part of our corporate culture, by adopting a Lean approach and by supporting people in this approach, which will be the key to your success.

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    To keep up to date with all the latest TeepTrak news, join us on LinkedIn: TeepTrak

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  • How do you carry out a Lean diagnosis? All you need to know in 4 key steps

    How do you carry out a Lean diagnosis? All you need to know in 4 key steps

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    How do you carry out a Lean diagnosis? All you need to know in 4 key steps

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    If your company’s Lean approach is to be a success and sustainable, you need to structure your project, and to do this, a Lean diagnosis is an essential tool.

    Carrying out a Lean diagnosis will enable you to analyse and share the initial state of your performance, identify potential improvements and target your objectives.

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    Why carry out a diagnostic?

    Imagine yourself in the context of a medical consultation: the doctor is trying to understand your condition, so his research will be based on auscultation and listening to the patient, then supplemented by targeted analyses. Without following this process, your doctor will be unable to know what ails you. Carrying out a diagnosis within your organisation to initiate your Lean approach follows the same logic as the example given above.

    There can be many reasons for carrying out a diagnosis, and here is a non-exhaustive list:

        • Customer needs not met
        • Your sector of activity requires you to evolve and adapt rapidly
        • Your performance is poor
        • Growth and/or acquisitions cause malfunctions
        • Deterioration in internal and customer communications
        • Observation of backtracking on actions put in place
        • No guidelines for managing your priorities
        • No involvement

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    Principle of the approach

    The Lean diagnosis is a prerequisite for your Lean approach. It is an initial inventory based on figures, interviews and observations. It provides a basis on which to work and decide on priority actions, then proposes a roadmap over several months.

    The results will then be shared with senior management, middle management and the field teams concerned.

    It is a collaborative effort.

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    4 key stages in the diagnostic process

    Preparing the Lean diagnosis: understanding the context and objectives, defining the scope, segmentation, people to be audited, timetable, making appointments. Diagnosis : This phase takes place in the field with operational managers and process pilots, through interviews and visits to completed or ongoing Lean projects. Data is collected. Drawing up the diagnosis : Draw up a summary of the company’s situation in each area of analysis. This summary is drawn up for each of the company’s predefined sectors. Roadmap presentation: Lean methods awareness, workstreams and planning. Definition of priority projects, management methods, resources, etc.[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|300|||||||” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]

    The TeepTrak solution, a diagnostic tool?

    The TeepTrak solution fits in perfectly with the diagnosis stage, and will be a major ally in your data collection and analysis. Indeed, Lean projects on machines are frequent, thanks to TeepTrak, this diagnosis stage is simplified and the impact of improvement actions on your machine is automatically visible via the KPIs that can be collected with the TeepTrak solution.

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