The 80/20 rule states that 80 percent of the effects of something come from 20 percent of the causes. The 80/20 rule is also known as the Pareto Principle after the Italian economist, Vilfredo Pareto, who first mathematically analyzed the distribution of wealth in Italy. The 80/20 rule helps prioritize Read more…
The 7 wastes is one of the most important continuous improvement terms you will hear. Most of the Lean tools, at their core, focus on reducing waste to improve flow. The seven wastes provide a systematic way to categorize problems and identify improvement priorities. When assessing a process, looking for Read more…
The 8D problem solving methodology is similar to the DMAIC approach utilized by Six Sigma. Of note, 8D is a shortened form of the original name, ‘8 Disciplines’. The 8D’s are: Identify the problem Use a team approach/form an 8D team Describe the problem Interim containment Define the Read more…
The 9-square is a prioritization tool in Lean problem solving that helps you organize your improvement ideas. After completing a brainstorming session in which you compile a large number of viable options, you have to decide which ones to implement. To use the 9-square, rank each problem in two categories: Read more…
8D Analysis is a problem-solving methodology. It takes a step by step approach to identify the root cause of a problem and permanently eliminate it. Because there is a cost in terms of time and effort in using a formal methodology such as 8D analysis, it is usually only done Read more…
Continuous improvement often requires us to step outside what we believe to be true and look at the world in a new, different way. Children do this on a regular basis. Why is the sky blue? How do birds fly? What would happen if you were driving at the speed Read more…
One of the fundamental tools in any Lean toolkit is 5S. In a nutshell, it entails creating an organized, effective workspace that supports the processes being performed in the area. You Probably Already Use 5S at Home The original 5S terms come from Japanese words: Seiri (Sort): This step entails Read more…
The 5 Whys problem solving tool helps you with root cause analysis. It gets you to the heart of a problem. When you identify an issue or an abnormal condition, ask why it occurred, but don’t stop there. Continue to ask why several more times. Try to go 5 questions Read more…