Lean Resources

Here you will find a host of information providing insights into operational excellence and innovation suitable for a range of industries and experience levels.

#6 White Paper

Process Innovation in Action

How R.H. Sheppard used 3P to discover a new way to manufacture. In 2012, R.H. Sheppard, a manufacturer of power steering systems and related engineered products, faced a key business decision on capital investment for one of its parts manufacturing lines that needed updating…

#3 White Paper

Lean Practices Support Innovation

To consistently drive top-line growth, leaders must commit to a disciplined and creative focus on meeting today’s market challenges while strengthening capabilities for future competitive mastery. It’s a matter of keeping the core business running optimally without losing sight of what’s on the horizon—and being prepared for and open to “creative destruction.”

Rapidly Reshaping Operations

In the midst of disruption, businesses still need to operate by optimizing systems to drive out waste and improve flow. What’s changed is the need to do so smarter and faster. In this month’s What’s Up, we look at the importance of building capabilities through up-skilling and multi-skilling, and doing so rapidly…as well as highlight opportunities for educating employees.

#9 White Paper

What’s Missing From Your Lean Initiative?

TPM’s integral role, with 5 takeaways to guide your strategy.
Most business owners and general managers recognize just how critically important proper equipment maintenance is, particularly in an asset-oriented work environment.

Make it Visible…

#22 OE Newsletter

Last month saw another round of graduates from our Lean Manager for Services Certification held on the campus of The Ohio State University. Instructor and Executive Partner of Productivity Inc., Catherine Converset, spent a few minutes with us recently to talk about implementing lean in service and administrative functions.

Going Green With Your Gemba Walk

Lean is all about learning and the Gemba Walk provides a perfect learning platform. Use the Gemba Walk for more than just an audit. Use it as a way to teach employees at all levels the basics of continuous improvement.

Traditional Accounting vs Lean Accounting

David Paino from Brian Maskell Associates discusses the differences between traditional accounting and Lean accounting with Karl Wadensten of "The Lean Nation" AM790 radio broadcast. An overview which looks into the differences between the two approaches and how Lean accounting seeks to obtain "actionable" information from accounting in order to maximize flow; creating different assumptions about profit and using this to create an alternative business map.

#12 OE Newsletter

We frequently hear the term “servant leader” used to describe an ideally “enlightened” manager or executive. People who instinctively welcome the idea of servant leadership often see it as a sort of inverted management pyramid, with executives supporting the rest of the organization.

#21 Innovation Newsletter

Innovation in fiber and textiles affects everything from packaging to wearable electronics to aerospace materials to the clothes we wear. In this month’s feature we take a look at how innovation is at work in textile companies that are drawing on the mechanics and properties of the natural world and on the critical needs of demanding customers like emergency workers and soldiers.

The Word of The Month: Andon

Curious how ANDON can play a role in your environment? Click the link for our latest Word of the Month.

The Word of The Month: Catchball

The Catchball process promotes buy-in to leadership aspirations and organizational goals through two-way, top-down/bottom-up communication. Learn more in this month’s Word of the Month.

The Word of The Month: Renewal

The need for renewal can be triggered by many factors; regardless of what prompts it, the key is to make renewal part of your CI initiatives, and to help ensure employees are performing optimally by aligning strategic objectives with daily activities. Check out the latest Word of the Month for more about the facets of Renewal.

The Word of The Month: VSM (Value Stream Management)

VSM is a systemic practice to improve end-to-end processes, allowing your organization to see the flow of customer value and achieve 100% on-time delivery as planned.