Supply Chain Brief

'In my last blog post , I wrote about how visibility into real-time manufacturing intelligence can let management improve and enhance Lean programs. Better, faster access to information allows management to act with greater efficiency, which contributes to improved Lean performance. If management decisions affect Lean performance, and if there are metrics that can be tracked, compared, and improved upon, then in theory, couldn’t we use this information to continuously improve the actual management processes? In other words: Lean management based on continuous improvement. MORE >>

Camp published a new book titled Sustainable Lean: The Story of a Cultural Transformation , and I talked to him about some of the topics addressed in the book. Most Lean initiatives begin with noble intentions but often plateau or fail to maintain the gains. It’s commonly known among consulting circles that 80% to 85% of all first-time attempts at a Lean transformation fail, and I asked Robert: Why does this occur? Making a decision to launch a Lean transformation is a strategic decision. Mostly, leading Lean is about a personal commitment to change. MORE >>

'Last month, an important book titled The Lean Prescription: Powerful Medicine for Our Ailing Healthcare System , authored by Patricia Gabow and Philip Goodman, was published, and it details how Denver Health became the first healthcare organization to be awarded the Shingo Bronze Medallion Prize for Operational Excellence. had the chance to speak with Patricia about her book, and one of the main questions I asked was: "Why should healthcare organizations choose Lean as a methodology to transform and improve their culture and results?" think Lean is that medicine. MORE >>

'What is Lean Inventory Management? More firms are implementing lean inventory management techniques to reduce costs, improve flexibility and have more time to focus on their customers. Lean supply chain and inventory management enable Small Medium Businesses (SMB) to improve efficiency and increase profits. As firms look to reduce waste, increase turns and be more flexible with their inventory, management professionals have attempted to identify how lean techniques can be adopted to build flexible and collaborative inventory. What is Lean Inventory Management? MORE >>

'The banking industry comprises many accounting, regulatory, process, and management challenges, and because its customer-satisfaction and efficiency rates are ripe for improvement, many feel Lean improvement initiatives can transform these financial institutions. book published just this month titled Lean for Banks: Improving Quality, Productivity, and Morale in Financial Offices , authored by Bohdan Oppenheim and Marek Felbur ,shows how Lean and Six Sigma can significantly improve the efficiency of bank operations. Fortunately, an excellent solution exists: Lean Thinking. MORE >>