When talking with clients, I often find there is a misunderstanding when I ask about procedures or work instructions. Often, I am shown work instructions when I ask about a procedure, and vice versa. So, what are they, and what function do they serve? Starting at the top level, policies are usually implemented by senior […]
Tag: #processoptimization
Five Core Principles of Lean Operations
When researching the topic of process improvement, the results can be overwhelming. I like to use the five core principles of lean operations to create permanent results:
5S: Mastering the Art of Sustaining Order
Usually, the fifth S, Sustain, is the biggest casualty in the work area,
ONE PIECE FLOW
A couple weeks ago, I worked with an assembler on one-piece flow of an item she was assembling. She was batching five at a time. When we started, she told me she had the best system and that there was no way my system was better. By the time we finished, she had changed her […]
What is Quality?
Quality is a multifaceted concept often misunderstood. While we’ve all heard car dealers tout the “high quality” of their pre-owned vehicles, the term remains elusive. In manufacturing and service industries, quality is more concretely defined as conformance to requirements. Essentially, it’s about how well a product or service meets its specifications or expectations. I often […]
Writing Clear Assembly Instructions
Have you ever spent hours wrestling with a flat-pack and instructions that seem written in hieroglyphics? We’ve all been there. But have you ever considered the challenges of crafting clear assembly instructions? It’s more than just listing steps; it’s about anticipating every potential user’s questions and creating a smooth, frustration-free experience. As a manufacturing engineer, […]
Ditch the Hunches: Data Analysis Wins the Process Improvement Race
I was once told that determining KPIs and collecting data to establish a base line takes too long and to just make certain changes and then determine if the change worked. We’ve all been there – relying on intuition for process changes. But in today’s data-driven world, gut feelings often fall short. Panic then sets […]