Problem consciousness, crafting an environment where everyone seeks out problems, it makes sense. The challenge is to define the difference between uncovering opportunities for improvement and straight-up nagging.
Archive for the ‘Lean Manufacturing’ Category
I see a problem here, and here, and here, and here…
January 27, 2008Front line value-add, management overhead
January 26, 2008Chris Harris of Harris Lean Systems was interviewed on leanblog.org January 23, discussing the challenged of implementing the lean mindset. You can hear the entire podcast here.
The production supervisor, in charge of managing the production associates (the machinists or those working the assembly line), is also responsible for implementing the elemental changes required to improve the system. The people most knowledgeable about the opportunities for process improvement are the people at the front line of the production.
The people that are working on the process, they add the most value to the end product, and they probably get paid the least. Respect the production associates, and cultivate a relationship with these vital coworkers to ensure the lines of communication between the skilled workers and management stay fluid. This is step 1 in establishing the lean mindset.
