Ad Hoc Query

An ad hoc query is simply a one-time request for information from a database. (Ad hoc is Latin for “for this purpose”.) Many database reports are standardized and are used repeatedly. They cover the vast majority of typical operations management needs. Ad hoc queries, though, play a big role in Read more…

Deming Cycle

The Deming Cycle, also known as the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle is a standardized problem solving approach. It is widely taught as part of most companies’ Lean training. PDCA is built into nearly all structured problem-solving tools, such as kaizen projects, A3 reports, policy deployment, and countermeasures. The Deming Cycle is Read more…

Catchball

Catchball is a business management technique of floating ideas and comments around in an iterative manner. The name comes from the metaphor of tossing an idea back and forth, much like you might with a football. In Lean, the catchball process refines ideas promotes buy-in from the front line encourages Read more…

Brainstorming Techniques

Brainstorming techniques have varying degrees of structure, but they are all used to generate ideas. Brainstorming techniques include: A brainstorming session in which everyone in the room blurts out ideas. A brainstorming session that takes a round-robin approach, with each person presenting an idea in turn. A brainstorming session in Read more…

PDCA Cycle

The PDCA cycle is a structured problem-solving approach. It is also known as the Deming cycle, after Dr. W. Edwards Deming, the man credited with popularizing the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle. The 4 Steps of the PDCA Cycle include: The plan step of the PDCA cycle entails setting objectives and gathering the Read more…

Lean Office

For many people, the term “Lean”, immediately brings to mind Lean manufacturing and images of the shop floor. While it is true that the origin of Lean certainly stems from these roots, continuous improvement principles have taken hold in the office, and are spreading at breakneck speed. The Lean office Read more…

DMAIC Cycle

The DMAIC cycle takes the DMAIC process one step further. It links the end of one project, the Control step, to the beginning of the next one (the Define step). The rationale behind linking DMAIC cycles together makes a lot of sense. When controls are applied to processes, deviations become Read more…

Visual Control

A visual control builds on 5S. It uses organization and standardization to make an abnormal condition stand out. In a Lean environment it does three things: A visual control shows the current condition quickly. A visual control shows what the standard is quickly. A visual control links to an action. Read more…