Lean Terminology from The Continuous Improvement Companion
Checkpoints, in the military, are used to track progress of a unit’s movement. In Lean, checkpoints can be used in a similar fashion. Checkpoints can be linked to specific process steps. When the sequence of work is standardized, the operator should hit those checkpoints with the same time remaining in Read more…
Checklists are in rather common use and the general concept of their use is understood by most. But they are commonly misused and there are multiple potential pitfalls with this type of standardization tool. Some checklists require the steps to be completed in a precise sequence; others, like a checklist Read more…
Capital expenses are the costs for fixed assets—the things that are typically carried on the books (reported on financial statements), last longer than a year, and provide recurring value. Buildings, vehicles, and equipment are typically capital expenses. Capital expenses hit the income statement in the form of depreciation. Your company Read more…
Capacity is the amount a given group, team, or individual can produce. It is determined by factors such as productivity, staffing, hours of operations, equipment limitations, defects/scrap, setup time requirements, number of shifts, equipment maintenance requirements, and a host of other factors. When does capacity become most important? As any Read more…