Lean

In its original definition, Lean is a form of continuous improvement that springs from the Toyota Production System (TPS). The term “Lean” was popularized in the landmark book, Lean Thinking. It focuses on improving flow, with a heavy emphasis on reducing inventory. Nowadays, though, there is also a broader definition. Read more…

Information Technology (IT)

Information technology (also known as IT) is the group primarily responsible for maintaining a company’s computer and communications systems. Information technology groups are also responsible for selecting, installing, updating, training, and troubleshooting the software systems in a company. Good Information technology groups see their big picture role in corporate strategy, Read more…

Lean Manufacturing

Lean manufacturing is the business philosophy of relentlessly eliminating waste to improve flow in a production environment. It has evolved into something far more widespread, and now Lean encompasses offices, construction, service, hospitals, and even government. While many people trace the roots of Lean manufacturing back to the Toyota Production Read more…

Knowledge

Knowledge is the body of facts and information surrounding a specific topic. That topic can be about processes, company policies, knowing who to speak with to get things done, or general skills. In fact, it can be about practically anything. Knowledge has the trait of specificity. That just means that Read more…

Information

Information is the application of data in context. Information also has the element that it can be acted upon. The weight of an elephant, for example, is a piece of data. Knowing if a bridge is strong enough for that elephant to cross is information. Information can be costly to Read more…

Best Practices

The term ‘best practice’ is commonly used to describe a standout process that is the best known way to do something. ‘Best practice’ is really a misnomer. There is no such thing as a ‘best’ practice—only a ‘best known practice’. The term itself goes contrary to the whole premise of Read more…

Implementation

An implementation is simply the act of putting a plan into effect. It can also refer to a change in a strategy or a system. In continuous improvement, the term “implementation” commonly refers to Lean as a whole, or can mean implementing the system-based tools, such as pull, kanban, or Read more…