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The common interpretation of Occam’s Razor is that when all other things are equal, the simplest solution is probably right. More accurately, but in less common use, Occam’s Razor says that one should choose the hypothesis that makes the fewest new assumptions. In either case, Occam’s Razor is a tool Read more…
Being able to recognize objective vs. subjective information is an important skill for individuals in Lean companies. Objective vs. Subjective Definitions Objective: Information or data that is based in fact. Often numerical. Can be verified by an independent third party. Example: Math tests. Subjective: Information or opinions that are open Read more…
Negotiation is simply the process of discussing something of mutual interest and agreeing to terms. Negotiations typically involve tradeoffs. One side gives something of value to the other site to get something of value in return. Negotiations may be conducted for a one-time transaction, or for an ongoing relationship. The Read more…
Feeder lines are a very specialized branch of a main assembly line. Generally, they are used when there is a different amount of work required for an option or for the most time intensive product on a mixed-model assembly line. Feeder lines will run on their own takt time. The Read more…
Zero defects is a philosophy of Lean. It simply means that every process should be designed so that it is impossible to produce poor quality. The underlying premise, which is true in nearly every case, is that the cost of preventing problems is lower than the cost of fixing them. Read more…
Acronyms and other mnemonic devices help embed concepts into people’s brains. As it turns out, many of the key concepts of Lean leadership start with “C”, creating a unique way to look at this core tenet of continuous improvement. Interestingly, this term started as the 4 “C’s” of Lean leadership, Read more…
At the heart of standardization is predictability. Standardization provides a predictable pace, predictable quality, and a predictable lead time. This predictability allows managers to make better plans. It allows marketers to make more accurate promises. And it allows employees to have a steady, reasonable pace throughout the day. Core Lean Read more…
Luck is the combination of events and circumstances that randomly impact an outcome. The more one can control those inputs, the more likely the result is to be a desired one. In a trip to Las Vegas, an individual has little impact on the outcome of games of chance. Roulette Read more…
Workstations are exactly what they sound like. They are the locations where work is completed. In a non-Lean environment, workstations tend to be assigned to individuals, lack standardization, and often are very general in design. For example, a company may have a standard 6-foot-long workbench with a shelf above it Read more…
Stopgaps are simply temporary measures put in place to prevent the defects from a known problem within a system, process, or product from escaping to a customer. This is in stark contrast to a countermeasure, in which a permanent solution is implemented. Stopgaps are intended to be temporary, but they Read more…
A push system is one in which an upstream process sends work to a downstream process prior to the downstream process requesting it. Batch and queue systems in which large lots are sent to the next workstation to wait in line are push systems. Generally Lean systems attempt to move Read more…
A standard is a rule or principle that sets a minimum level of acceptable behavior. It is also something to which other things may be compared, such as a breed standard to evaluate dogs, or a measurement standard used to certify meters and testing devices. Standards in business are useful Read more…