Lean

Module three discusses the importance of observation and data in understanding the current condition. The third module focuses on describing and diagramming the current condition.  The importance of observation, going to the Gemba, is discussed along with fundamental measurement tools and techniques.  The people who do the work have the best information about what is currently

The third element on the A3 Form is focused on finding the problems in a process and analyzing how those problems might contribute to the performance the team sees in the current state.  This unit discusses how to find the root cause or causes of complexity and uneven flow in the process.  The 5 Whys and the Fishbone are

In this second module, the importance of developing a problem statement is discussed.  A concise background statement ensures that anyone reviewing the A3 form clearly understands the reason the team was formed and the problem they are seeking to resolve.  The statement must be specific and succinct.  The module also covers the formation of the

Once we complete the list and add the boxes, we now categorize and populate the steps.  We will list the length of each step, add the number of workers for each step, the cycle time, lead time of the entire process and the percent of the time the process is effective. At this point we

The most simplistic approach to begin the VSM process is to develop a list. What are the 5-7 high level steps of specimen collection? OR what are the steps to your specific process? Once we brainstorm the entire high level process, we can begin to focus on the problem area(s). From the specimen collection steps