Lean and Six Sigma discussions and opinions
Within Lean Manufacturing there is a strong emphasis on ensuring that defects or problems in the manufacturing process get fixed as soon as they occur. It is so important to catch defects as soon as they occur that the idea of using machines and automation to help spot […]
The first thing I want to do is wish you good luck. I have been involved in trying to do some of this using technology solutions to help streamline processes, you may be in for a rough time. Here they are, in no specific order (because it may […]
Lean identifies several areas that cause or create inefficient systems. Originally part of the Toyota Production System, these inefficiencies are classified into three distinct groups. Muda: Waste (See 8 Types of Muda Waste in Lean) Mura: Irregularity Muri: Overburden These Lean inefficiencies apply to Agile and are just as […]
The Hawthorne Effect was first conceptualized after studies conducted in the 1920s and 1930s at Western Electrical Company’s Hawthorne Works in Chicago. Researchers were trying to study ways to improve productivity. In order to carry out these studies, the researchers worked with various groups of employees and implemented various […]
I often attack the Agile Manifesto. I am not a huge fan of it. It named Agile, but it named processes and theories that existed before the Agile Manifesto existed. There are parts I don’t think aged well, and there are parts that could be clearer. Instead of […]
DMAIC, pronounced as one word Dah-May-Ick, is a continuous improvement methodology used within Six Sigma. It is a very empirical based process (or should be) set to standardize work output to a set level of quality. DMAIC relies on consistent data to work and improve processes. Define This is […]
Kanban in Agile is more than just the kanban boards, and the kanban boards are not even required. Within Agile, Kanban stresses a need for a visual workplace. Kanban boards were created to satisfy that requirement. If you would prefer to learn about Kanban in a quicker video […]
7… or 8 Types of Muda Waste Many may have learned that there were 7 types of waste in Lean, I am not sure when a lot of the organizations changed to 8, but most that I am aware of added one to reference underutilized staff or skills […]
The 7 Core Concepts of Lean 1. Eliminate Waste Time and resources cost money. Extra time and resources beyond what you require, make things more expensive than they need to be. To maximize the value, you must work to minimize the waste. Improving the efficiency of the process […]
This is meant to be a list of all known existing Agile frameworks and methodologies. Each framework contains a general overview and links to find additional information. Not all Agile frameworks or methodologies are isolated to software development projects. It should be noted that Agile is not a […]
What I want to explore here are ideas on how to use Lean Manufacturing to help waste reduction in areas outside of manufacturing. When I worked in manufacturing, everything was about Lean Six Sigma. Outside of manufacturing, that sort of cultural drive to improve doesn’t seem to be […]
The world is full of Agile certifications. Everyone has their list of favorites or ones they think are vastly superior to others. Here is my list. If you are like me and you hate the boot-camp style of education, it may provide some good options for you to […]
Lean, while primarily known for manufacturing, has many tools and ideas that can apply to many industries that have no manufacturing component. Services have wastes, business and operational processes can have waste, software engineering and development has waste… you can find waste everywhere. In Lean, efficiency falls into […]
I first worked with and learned Lean (with Six Sigma) in a manufacturing environment. Manufacturing is where Lean originated; used successfully for decades. I learned a great deal about Lean in that environment, but I think the most important part about Lean- the focus it requires on quality. […]
Agile-Mercurial 