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The Lean Six Sigma Pocket Toolbook

The Lean Six Sigma Pocket Toolbook

"The Lean Six Sigma Pocket Toolbook: A Quick Reference Guide to 100 Tools for Improving Quality and Speed" is a book written by Michael L. George and John Maxey. Michael L. George is a leading expert in the field of Lean Six Sigma and the author of several books on the subject. John Maxey is a consultant and trainer in the field of Lean Six Sigma.

The book provides a comprehensive guide to 100 different tools and techniques for improving quality and speed in organizations. The authors argue that by using the tools and techniques in this book, organizations can improve their efficiency, reduce costs, and increase customer satisfaction. The book is divided into several sections, each covering a different aspect of Lean Six Sigma, such as Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control.

Key takeaways from the book:

  1. Lean Six Sigma is a methodology that combines the best practices of Lean and Six Sigma to improve quality and speed.

  2. The book covers 100 different tools and techniques that can be used to improve quality and speed in organizations.

  3. The tools and techniques in the book can be used in different stages of the Lean Six Sigma process, such as Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control.

  4. The book provides step-by-step instructions for using each tool and technique, along with examples and case studies.

  5. The book also provides a quick reference guide for each tool and technique, making it easy to find the information you need.

  6. The book is designed for both practitioners and managers, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their organization.

  7. The book covers a wide range of industries, from manufacturing to healthcare and service industries.

  8. The book provides practical tips and strategies for implementing Lean Six Sigma in your organization.

  9. The book emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement and the need to continuously measure and monitor progress.

  10. The book helps organizations to create a culture of quality, by involving all employees in the process of improvement.

In conclusion, The Lean Six Sigma Pocket Toolbook is a valuable resource for any organization looking to improve their quality and speed. The book provides a comprehensive guide to 100 different tools and techniques that can be used to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase customer satisfaction. The book is easy to use and provides practical tips and strategies that can be implemented in any organization, making it an essential tool for anyone interested in Lean Six Sigma.

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Value Stream Mapping: How to Visualize Work and Align Leadership for Organizational Transformation

Value Stream Mapping: How to Visualize Work and Align Leadership for Organizational Transformation

"Value Stream Mapping: How to Visualize Work and Align Leadership for Organizational Transformation" is a book written by Karen Martin and Mike Osterling. Karen Martin is a leading expert in the field of value stream mapping and the author of several books on the subject. Mike Osterling is a consultant and coach in the field of Lean Six Sigma and value stream mapping.

The book provides a comprehensive guide to value stream mapping, which is a tool that can be used to visualize work and align leadership for organizational transformation. The authors argue that by using value stream mapping, organizations can identify and eliminate waste, improve efficiency, and increase customer satisfaction. The book is divided into three parts: the first part provides an overview of value stream mapping, the second part examines how to create and use value stream maps, and the third part provides guidance on how to implement value stream mapping in an organization.

Key takeaways from the book:

  1. Value Stream Mapping is a tool that can be used to visualize work and align leadership for organizational transformation.

  2. Value Stream Mapping can help organizations to identify and eliminate waste, improve efficiency, and increase customer satisfaction.

  3. Value Stream Mapping requires a deep understanding of the customer's needs and the value they are looking for.

  4. Value Stream Mapping requires the involvement of all employees in the process of creating and using value stream maps.

  5. Value Stream Mapping can be applied to any industry and any type of work.

  6. Value Stream Mapping requires a holistic approach that considers the entire process, not just individual activities.

  7. Value Stream Mapping is an important step in the Lean Thinking process and is closely related to the principles of flow, pull, and perfection.

  8. Value Stream Mapping can help organizations to create a sustainable competitive advantage.

  9. Value Stream Mapping is a powerful tool that can be used for both process improvement and organizational transformation.

  10. Value Stream Mapping requires continuous improvement and the need to measure and monitor progress.

This book provides a comprehensive guide to value stream mapping, from the principles and practices to the implementation and benefits. It is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their organization. The book emphasizes the importance of understanding the customer's needs and the value they are looking for, the need to involve all employees in the process, and the importance of continuous improvement.

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Leading lean software development

"Leading Lean Software Development: Results Are Not the Point" by Mary Poppendieck and Tom Poppendieck.

"Leading Lean Software Development: Results Are Not the Point" is a book written by Mary Poppendieck and Tom Poppendieck. Mary and Tom Poppendieck are leading experts in the field of Lean Software Development and the authors of several books on the subject.

The book provides an in-depth look at how to apply the principles of Lean Thinking to the software development process. The authors argue that traditional software development methods are no longer effective in today's fast-paced and ever-changing business environment, and that organizations must adopt a lean approach to stay competitive. The book is divided into three parts: the first part provides an overview of Lean Thinking, the second part examines how to apply Lean Thinking to the software development process, and the third part provides guidance on how to implement Lean Thinking in an organization.

key takeaways from the book:

  1. Lean Thinking is a management philosophy that can be applied to software development to improve efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction.

  2. Results are not the only point of software development, but also the process and the way of thinking.

  3. Lean Thinking is based on the principles of identifying value, mapping the value stream, creating flow, establishing pull, and pursuing perfection.

  4. Lean Thinking is a culture change that requires the involvement of all employees in the software development process.

  5. Lean Thinking requires a deep understanding of the customer's needs and the value they are looking for.

  6. Lean Thinking emphasizes continuous improvement and the need to measure and monitor progress.

  7. Lean Thinking can help organizations to reduce waste and create a sustainable competitive advantage.

  8. Lean Thinking can be applied to different types of software development, such as Agile and Waterfall.

  9. Lean Thinking requires a holistic approach that considers the entire software development process, not just individual activities.

  10. Lean Thinking requires a mindset shift towards the continuous improvement, learning and experimentation.

This book provides a comprehensive guide to Lean Thinking and how it can be applied to the software development process. It is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their software development organization. The book emphasizes the importance of understanding the customer's needs and the value they are looking for and the need to continuously improve the process, rather than just focusing on the results.

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The Toyota Way: 14 Management Principles from the World's Greatest Manufacturer

The book provides an in-depth look at the management principles and practices of Toyota, one of the world's most successful and innovative manufacturers.

"The Toyota Way: 14 Management Principles from the World's Greatest Manufacturer" is a book written by Jeffrey K. Liker, a professor of industrial and operations engineering at the University of Michigan. The book provides an in-depth look at the management principles and practices of Toyota, one of the world's most successful and innovative manufacturers.

The book is divided into four parts: the first part provides an overview of the Toyota Way, the second part examines the 14 management principles of the Toyota Way, the third part looks at how the Toyota Way is implemented in the company, and the fourth part provides guidance on how to implement the Toyota Way in other organizations.

The book presents the 14 management principles of the Toyota Way as follows:

  1. Base your management decisions on a long-term philosophy, even at the expense of short-term financial goals.

  2. Create a continuous process flow to bring problems to the surface.

  3. Use "pull" systems to avoid overproduction.

  4. Level out the workload (heijunka).

  5. Build a culture of stopping to fix problems, to get quality right the first time.

  6. Standardized tasks and processes are the foundation for continuous improvement and employee empowerment.

  7. Use visual control so no problems are hidden.

  8. Use only reliable, thoroughly tested technology that serves your people and processes.

  9. Grow leaders who thoroughly understand the work, live the philosophy, and teach it to others.

  10. Develop exceptional people and teams who follow your company's philosophy.

  11. Respect your extended network of partners and suppliers by challenging them and helping them improve.

  12. Go and see for yourself to thoroughly understand the situation (genchi genbutsu).

  13. Make decisions slowly by consensus, thoroughly considering all options; implement decisions rapidly.

  14. Become a learning organization through relentless reflection and continuous improvement.

The key takeaway from this book is that the Toyota Way is a management philosophy that is based on continuous improvement, respect for people, and a long-term perspective. It is a model that can be adopted by any organization looking to improve their efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction. The book provides a detailed understanding of the principles and practices of the Toyota Way and how they can be implemented in other organizations.

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Lean Thinking: Banish Waste and Create Wealth in Your Corporation

The book provides an in-depth look at the principles and practices of lean thinking, which is a management philosophy that aims to eliminate waste and create value for customers.

"Lean Thinking: Banish Waste and Create Wealth in Your Corporation" is a book written by James P. Womack and Daniel T. Jones. James P. Womack is a renowned management expert and the founder of the Lean Enterprise Institute. Daniel T. Jones is a leading expert on lean production and the co-author of several books on the subject.

The book provides an in-depth look at the principles and practices of lean thinking, which is a management philosophy that aims to eliminate waste and create value for customers. The authors argue that traditional mass production methods are no longer effective in today's fast-paced, competitive business environment, and that companies must adopt a lean approach in order to remain competitive.

The book is divided into three parts: the first part explains the principles of lean thinking, the second part provides practical examples of how lean thinking can be applied in different industries, and the third part offers guidance on how to implement lean thinking in an organization.

Ten key takeaways from the book:

  1. Lean thinking is a management philosophy that aims to eliminate waste and create value for customers.

  2. Lean thinking is based on five key principles: identifying value, mapping the value stream, creating flow, establishing pull, and pursuing perfection.

  3. Lean thinking can be applied to any industry, not just manufacturing.

  4. Lean thinking can help companies to improve quality, reduce costs, and increase speed and flexibility.

  5. Lean thinking is not just about cost cutting, but also about creating value for customers.

  6. Lean thinking requires a cultural change within the organization and the involvement of all employees.

  7. Implementing lean thinking is a process that involves continuous improvement.

  8. Lean thinking can help companies to create a sustainable competitive advantage.

  9. Lean thinking is not just for big companies, but also for small and medium-sized enterprises.

  10. Lean thinking requires a deep understanding of the customer's needs and the value they are looking for.

This book provides a comprehensive guide to lean thinking, from the principles and practices to the implementation and benefits. It is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their organization.

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The Lean Start up

"The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses" written by Eric Ries.

Today’s reading pick: 

"The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses" is written by Eric Ries. He is an entrepreneur, author and speaker. He is the creator of the Lean Startup methodology and has advised startups, venture capitalists and large companies around the world. He is also the author of "The Startup Way" and "The Lean Entrepreneur”

The book provides a guide for entrepreneurs and business leaders on how to create and run successful startups using the Lean Startup methodology. The book argues that traditional startup methods are no longer effective in today's fast-paced, uncertain business environment and that a new approach is needed. The Lean Startup methodology is characterized by a focus on customer feedback, rapid experimentation, and continuous learning.

The book covers a wide range of topics, including how to create a culture of innovation, how to identify and prioritize customer needs, how to build and test minimum viable products, and how to measure and improve performance. The author also provides practical guidance on how to implement Lean practices in startups, including how to overcome resistance to change and how to scale Lean practices across the startup.

Key takeaways from the book:

  1. The Lean Startup methodology is a powerful way for entrepreneurs to create and run successful startups.

  2. To be successful, startups must create a culture of innovation that values customer feedback, rapid experimentation, and continuous learning.

  3. Identifying and prioritizing customer needs is critical to success.

  4. Building and testing minimum viable products is a key Lean practice that helps startups validate customer needs and preferences.

  5. Measuring and improving performance is essential to ongoing success.

  6. Scaling Lean practices across the startup is crucial for success.

  7. Resistance to change is a common obstacle to the adoption of Lean practices, but it can be overcome with the right approach.

  8. Lean Startup methods are not only for new ventures, but also can be used in established businesses to drive innovation.

  9. Lean practices can be applied to a wide range of functions, including product development, sales, marketing, and customer service.

  10. Continuous learning is the key to ongoing success with the Lean Startup approach.

Enjoy the read and have fun learning!

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Taiichi Ohno

Reading Pick of the day!Toyota Production System - beyond large scale production. Written by the famous mechanical engineer - Taiichi Ohno.

Today’s reading pick: 

Taiichi Ohno - Toyota Production System Beyond large scale production

Taiichi Ohno composed this fundamental book in 1978. As one of Toyota Motor Company's first mechanical designers, he was enlivened by the standards created by Toyota's author Toyoda Kiichirō. Part manual and part philosophical composition on productivity, Ohno's aide respects the Japanese auto trailblazer's developments in assembling. This 1988 release deciphers the first Japanese form into English. Its outline of the Toyota fabricating cycle will engage history specialists and to every one of those inspired by the "without a moment to spare" ethos that presently overwhelms the globalized economy.

Take-Aways

  • Toyota changed Ford's mass production system to incorporate "just-in-time" manufacturing

  • Toyoda Kiichirō made "Toyotaism" during the 1930s, setting the norm for Japanese auto fabricating

  • American grocery stores propelled Toyota's creative, in the nick of time creation framework

  • The kanban - or billboard - is a bunch of directions that decide the progression just-in-time manufacturing

  • "Smoothing production” flattens the "ups and downs" that lead to failure

  • Right away, laborers opposed evolving from "one operator one machine" to "one operator, many machines in various cycles”

  • The in the nick of time framework plans to wipe out squander at each phase of creation

  • Utilizing a norm "work sheet" assists supervisors with running the Toyota Production System

  • The just-in-time point of view empowers supervisors, mid mgmt. and operators to embrace flexibility

Enjoy the read and have fun learning!

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Out of the Crisis

Reading Pick of the day! Out of the Crisis. A classic but now more valid than ever! Written by the godfather of good mgmt. W. Edwards Deming.

Today’s reading pick:

Out of the crisis - by W. Edwards Deming

Deming could be called the Majestro of quality control, the Grand Monsieur of business consulting, the Godfather of management science. Deming is the source of modern business thought. He helped engineer the rise of Japanese competitiveness in the consumer goods sector, thereby giving a major prod to globalization. Perhaps his only failure was not envisioning the extremes to which others would later push his ideas of β€œconstancy of purpose” (e.g. continuous quality improvement). Then again, their own ideas often come back to haunt prophets and, on most points, Deming passes the test of time with flying colors. In this reprint of his 1986 classic, his arguments for single supplier sourcing and for leadership rather than supervision, and against production quotas and the absurd practice of management by walking around, ring as true today as ever. 

Take-Aways

  • The US economy needs revolution, transformation and change, not a hot fix.

  • The theory that manufacturers have to choose between high volume and high quality is a lie.

  • Production increases as quality improves, because products require less β€œrework” and employees are more satisfied, which leads to greater productivity.

  • Japan has no natural resources; it succeeds due to its commitment to quality.

  • Like auto accident statistics, measures of productivity tell you what went wrong but not how to fix it.

  • Companies must guide workers’ efforts with a theory of management. Just having everyone try to do their best is insufficient and will lead to chaos.

  • You have to build quality instead of checking for it.

  • Quotas and management by numbers work against quality. Get rid of them.

  • Relying on a single source supplier will enhance quality in the long run.

  • If you hire consultants, give them the authority to visit any aspect of the company.

Enjoy the read and have fun learning!

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A Manager's guide to coaching

Reading Pick of the day! A manager’s guide to coaching. Simple and effective ways to get the BEST out of your employees - by Brian Emerson and Anne Loehr.

Today’s reading pick:

A manager’s guide to coaching - by brian emerson and anne loehr

In this absolut useful book, two executive coaches, Anne Loehr and Brian Emerson, explain what coaching is, how it functions and how managers can learn to put it to work to improve employees’ productivity and morale. Often people are unaware of attitudes or behaviors that are holding them back or jeopardizing their careers. That’s where a good coach plays a crucial role. The authors delve into coaching’s methods, explain its benefits, and offer thoughtful instructions and examples. They devote the last third of the book to specific questions to ask while coaching. How you’ll react to the writing style, which is generally clear and serviceable, depends on if you think that β€œcoachee” is a real word and that β€œeveryone does their work” is good enough on the grammar front. Either way, this is a straightforward, practical book for managers who want to be productive coaches.

KEY Take aways

  • An employee’s success depends on β€œaptitude, attitude and resources.” Attitude matters most. In fact, a better outlook can make up for shortfalls in skills or materials.

  • Coaching helps staffers address behaviors and outlooks that hurt their productivity.

  • The β€œW.I.N. B.I.G.” process outlines steps to use with your staff members. In the W.I.N. stage, ask questions to help employees develop self-awareness about issues that are holding them back.

  • In the B.I.G. stage, help them plan and institute problem-solving action.

  • Effective coaches believe in employees’ potential, remain detached, heed their own instincts, set an easy atmosphere, don’t bog down and show alternative perspectives.

  • Coaches must β€œlisten,” pay attention, offer β€œfeedback” and β€œcelebrate” victories.

  • Coaching offers employees an exciting journey of personal and career growth.

Enjoy the read and have fun learning!

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Getting the Right Things Done

Reading Pick of the day!Getting the Right Things Done. A Leader’s Guide to Planning and Execution - by Pascal Dennis.

Pascal Dennis is a recognized authority in Lean management and a sought-after speaker, coach, and author. He has worked extensively in various industries, including healthcare, aviation, and automotive, helping organizations achieve operational excellence through Lean methodologies. In "Getting the Right Things Done," Dennis shares his insights and experience in strategic planning and execution for leaders who want to drive meaningful change and improve their organization's performance.

In this book, Dennis offers a practical and actionable framework for leaders to identify and prioritize the most critical business opportunities, align their teams' efforts, and execute their plans effectively. He draws on his experience in Lean management and business strategy to provide a systematic approach to strategic planning, execution, and continuous improvement. The book covers topics such as strategy deployment, visual management, problem-solving, and performance measurement, among others.

The key takeaways from "Getting the Right Things Done" are as follows:

  1. Establish a clear and compelling strategic direction that aligns with your organization's purpose and values.

  2. Create a process for translating strategy into specific actions and metrics that are relevant to different levels of the organization.

  3. Use visual management tools to communicate goals, progress, and problems effectively.

  4. Develop a problem-solving culture that encourages everyone to identify and solve problems at the root cause.

  5. Align leadership behaviors and processes to support the desired culture and performance.

  6. Empower front-line employees to improve processes and deliver value to customers.

  7. Use data and analytics to measure performance and inform decision-making.

  8. Foster a continuous improvement mindset that encourages experimentation, learning, and innovation.

  9. Build a resilient and adaptable organization that can respond to changes in the business environment.

  10. Focus on developing people's skills, knowledge, and engagement to drive sustained improvement.

"Getting the Right Things Done" is an excellent resource for leaders who want to learn how to align their team's efforts and achieve their organization's strategic goals. It offers practical guidance and tools that leaders can use to improve their strategic planning and execution processes and build a culture of continuous improvement. The book is highly recommended for anyone who wants to enhance their leadership skills and drive meaningful change in their organization.

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GRIT The Power of Passion and Perseverance

Reading Pick of the day! GRIT - The Power of Passion and Perseverance - by Angela Duckworth.

Today’s reading pick:

GRIT- The Power of Passion and Perseverance 

University of Pennsylvania professor of psychology and MacArthur Genius Angela Duckworth founded an award-winning summer school for low-income children and created β€œThe Character Lab”, has advised the World Bank, NFL and NBA teams.

This book goes straight in the help yourself section. With Duckworth’s combination of advices and how to guidance this book is worth a read.

I love the simple and easy to read writing. Each chapter can be seen as a standalone reflection of ideas. There is no need to start from the beginning, you can start from each chapter and go forward. If you want to read the complete book from the beginning to the end, it might be a little bit tedious.

In the book its all about grit, Angela describes with the help of the β€œGrit-Scale” how she can predict someone’s success. On one example she forecasts who will drop out before the end of the first year at West Point. Quiet exactly…

Grit is made up of passion and perseverance. If you care about what you do, you’re more likely to keep on going. If you keep doing something you love, you’re likely to grow on loving it more and more. But if you lack either dedication or love, you’ll have difficulties getting things done. If you dislike what you do at work day after day, you won’t care about getting better at it.

Looking for personal growth and life hacks, this book gives you useful hints and tricks.

Have fun reading it!

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Mindset The psychology of success

Reading Pick of the day! Mindset - The new psychology of success. How we can learn to fulfill our potential - by Carol S. Dweck.

Today’s reading pick:

Mindset - The New Psychology of Success

This book divides humanity into two groups - the one that are willing to keep on learning and those who are not. The author a psychologist professor Carol S. Dweck writes in her book, based on research about the pros and cons of the two mindsets. You will find several stories about famous business and sports persons that made it in this book. The deep dive has an eye on the impact of the very own mindset on people. She explains even the flexibility of mindsets in regard on topic and personal traits. This complexity of mindsets brings it down to the two points either your mindset is fixed and won’t move or you have a growth mindset willing to further develop.

KEY TAKE AWAYS:

  • Persons who have a strong believe in themselves and their qualities have an unchangeable mindset

  • Persons that believe in the continuous improvement of their own mind have a β€œgrowth mindset”

  • Persons with a β€œgrowth mindset” believe that the future has a lot of opportunities no matter if good or bad times

  • A persons mindset defines their view on the world

  • Athletes with a β€œgrowth mindset” never stop challenging themselves

  • C-Level executives with a fixed mindset of themselves do not build great teams

We hope to get some taste of the book! Have fun reading it and improving yourself.

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How to create an Ishikawa

Reading Pick of the day! How to create an Ishikawa diagram - by MickaΓ«l RΓ©quillard.

Today’s reading pick:

How to create an Ishikawa diagram

And another one by Mickael RΓ©quillard - Ishikawa's diagram is named after its inventor, Kaoru Ishikawa. It appeared in the 1960s and is a key tool in the quality improvement process.

Also known as a fish bone diagram, cause and effect diagram, 5M, 6M, 7M, 8M or 9M, this tool is both simple to use and allows a problem to be addressed quickly and effectively, by going to find its root causes using a methodical, clear and visual approach.

Moreover, it can be used at all levels of the organization and in a multitude of contexts: industrial, services, projects, innovation, marketing, the list is endless!

In this book, you will discover what an ISHIKAWA diagram is, its different representations and use cases, how to create one and how to effectively exploit the information gathered.

Enjoy the read and put it into practice!

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SMED

Reading Pick of the day! How to carry out a SMED - by MickaΓ«l RΓ©quillard.

Today’s reading pick:

The Single Minute Exchange of a Die

SMED is a tool made famous by Shigeo Shingo. Its use in a just-in-time production logic has many advantages. You can improve the reactivity of your production tool, making planning much more flexible, limiting your batch sizes, your costs and offering better lead times to your customers. It is not uncommon to see a 50% reduction in changeover time by applying this method!

This book will show you the different steps to follow in order to carry out a SMED but also tips and tools to save time and efficiency during deployment.

Enjoy reading and good practice!

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Value Stream Mapping

Reading Pick of the day! How to build a value stream mapping (VSM) - by MickaΓ«l RΓ©quillard.

Today’s reading pick:

The Value Stream Mapping Tool

The value stream mapping tool was made famous by Mike Rother in his book 'learning to see'. This methodology enables the mapping of the entire value chain of a company, analyzing both physical and information flows. It is a powerful strategic tool that provides a current snapshot of what exists today, but also and above all allows you to project yourself into the future (with future mapping), checking the company's compatibility with its objectives and helping it to define the actions to be taken.
This book will show you how to carry out a VSM, both current and future, by explaining the key points (symbols used, KPI, 8 questions), useful tips when carrying it out, and application examples.

Enjoy reading and learning!

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Office Lean

Reading Pick of the day! Office Lean - Understanding and implementing flow in a professional and administrative environment - by Ken Eakin.

Today’s reading pick:

Office Lean - Understanding and Implementing Flow in a Professional and Administrative Environment

As an operations guy Ken Eakin shows how to use lean management techniques to support your employees to meet their targets and fulfill the customer expectations. Lean management therefore relies on two principles:

  1. Balance: when everything is balanced the work flows without interruption

  2. Continuity: allows employees to finish their tasks with only minor interruptions

Ken recommends a Lean Manager to implement continuity and balance in order to maintain and deliver high value to the customers faster.
This book isn’t a fast read, with its solid information it provides a guide for managers which want to have a solution oriented organization.

We recommend this book to managers that are seeking for a guide to reshape their processes to a value adding work flow.

Key take aways of this book

  • Conventional management models don’t work well in an economy dominated by services and information as a product

  • You can change the behavior of people with a systematic approach and not by only providing information

  • Management has to see their organization as a system that creates results

  • Workflow doesn’t mean dividing the organization in work streams, see the workflow as a system that is interlinked

  • The value stream is the starting point of all actions, separating Man/Machine/Material/etc. is an outdated point of view

  • Efficiency in offices starts with scheduling tasks

  • Kanban is a great tool that can be used to steer tasks in offices

  • Expose information from experts to the complete organization

  • Balance your workflow in the office to avoid bottle necks

  • Fulfill your customers expectations and you will get your return on investment

  • Lean leaders coach and support their employees - they are the role models who walk the talk

Enjoy reading and improving!

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The Lean Product Playbook

Reading Pick of the day! The Lean Product Playbook - How to Innovate with Minimum Viable Products and Rapid Customer Feedback - by Dan Olsen.

Today’s reading pick:

The Lean Product Playbook:

How to Innovate with Minimum Viable Products and Rapid Customer Feedback" is a book written by Dan Olsen. Dan Olsen is a product management expert and consultant who has worked with several startups and large companies to help them develop and launch successful products.

The book provides a comprehensive guide to using Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) and rapid customer feedback to innovate and create successful products. The author argues that by using this approach, organizations can validate their product ideas, gain valuable customer insights, and improve their chances of success. The book is divided into four parts: the first part provides an overview of the MVP approach, the second part examines how to create and launch MVPs, the third part looks at how to use customer feedback to improve products, and the fourth part provides guidance on how to scale and grow successful products.

Key takeaways from the book:

  1. The Lean Product Playbook is a comprehensive guide to using Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) and rapid customer feedback to innovate and create successful products.

  2. MVPs are a powerful tool for validating product ideas and gaining valuable customer insights.

  3. The book covers the complete process of creating and launching MVPs, from idea generation to customer feedback.

  4. The book provides practical tips and strategies for creating MVPs that are effective in validating product ideas and gaining customer insights.

  5. The book emphasizes the importance of rapid customer feedback and how to use it to improve products.

  6. The book highlights the importance of involving customers in the product development process.

  7. The book provides guidance on how to scale and grow successful products.

  8. The book covers the common challenges that organizations face when creating MVPs and how to overcome them.

  9. The book is designed for both startup and established companies, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their product development process.

  10. The book emphasizes that the ultimate goal of MVPs is to validate the product-market fit and that the MVP should be seen as a learning tool, not a product launch.

In conclusion, The Lean Product Playbook is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their product development process. The book provides a comprehensive guide to using Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) and rapid

Enjoy reading and improving!

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Understanding A3

Reading Pick of the day! Understanding A3 thinking a Critical Component of Toyota’s PDCA Management System - by Durward K. Sobek and Art Smalley.

Today’s reading pick:

Understanding A3 thinking

A3 is a given systematic in the lean management world. This book can be seen as a manual for developing an A3 beyond just the format and functionality. The authors take you on a little journey of the development, the usage of the A3 at Toyota and the systematic approach behind it incl. the well known PDCA methodology.

The authors make it very clear that the philosophy of problem solving and the underling process of continuous improvement matter far more than only the layout of the A3 report. At Toyota the permanent use of PDCA and the A3 methodology has developed generations of critically questioning problem solvers with the positive effect of daily continuous improvements putting Toyota first in the field.

KEY take aways of this book

  • Toyota remains among the world’s most successful car manufactures.

  • The PDCA and A3 methodology strives for the ultimate philosophy of continuous improvement.

  • The A3 thinking process orientates itself among seven crucial elements that support visualization and a common understanding.

  • The A3 format can be individual adjusted based on the needs.

  • Toyota is mainly using the PDCA based A3 process for problem solving, status reports and proposals.

  • Don’t use the A3 report always in the same way. As mentioned before, style and form depend on the matter and should support the understanding.

Enjoy reading and improving!

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The machine that changed the world

Reading Pick of the day! The machine that changed the world - by James P. Womack, Daniel T. Jones and Daniel Roos.

Today’s reading pick:

The machine that changed the world

The machine that changed the world by James P. Womack, Daniel T. Jones and Daniel Roos is a management classic. Not only taught in worldwide leading business schools, this book remains relevant since first published in 1990. It’s about the never ending cycle of disruption, innovation and change in markets and technologies. This book offers you great lessons of the lean revolution itself as well as the transformation trough digitization and advanced computing technology.

Key Take Aways of this Book

  1. Coming from Toyotas lean manufacturing process - two main roots > mass and best of class production.

  2. The price to quality ratio got Toyota on the top of the industry.

  3. Lean production beats mass production across all process steps in car manufacturing.

  4. In the west distribution of cars is still set up as it was during Henry Ford’s time (outdated).

  5. The market you want to compete in is the market you have to produce.

  6. Lean production faces the same obstacles in acceptance like mass production once did.

  7. Lean production will develop to the mainstream format of industrial manufacturing of goods in the 21st century.

The big question after reading this book is if the western countries will be able to find their own way in lean manufacturing or if the Japanese will drive the market?

Enjoy reading and improving!

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Lean Production Simplified

Reading Pick of the day! Lean Production Simplified - by Pascal Dennis.

Today’s reading pick:

Lean production simplified

Pascal Dennis’s a leading engineer and consultant was learning from the best Toyota sensei (teachers) who taught him on how to summarize the Lean Production System easy but effective. The book starts with history and purpose of Lean Manufacturing which is basically achieve more with less and how to fulfill customer expectations. Everybody in the lean world knows about the house called production system with standardization as its foundation and customer value as its roof, with several pillars for operations, depending on the field of operation itself. The heart of every Production System is the shop floor with the value adding process and its contributing processes. Lean can be described as a continuous learning process with the goal of waste free perfection.

Key Take Aways of this Book

  1. Lean Production came out of a necessity to get car manufacturing in Japan out of the loss making.

  2. Lean Manufacturing means achieve more with less while fulfilling customer expectations.

  3. You can’t achieve stability without standardization.

  4. JIT - Just in Time means it is following the 6R > The right items at the right time at the right place for the right price in the right quantity and the right quality.

  5. JIDOKA translates as automation which ensures zero defects at workstation.

  6. KAIZEN events involve everybody to develop problem solving skills and make incremental improvements.

  7. HOSHIN planning helps you to align resources along your targets. Key is to have a transparent knowledge sharing to strengthen your workforce.

  8. Having a living Lean Culture is crucial due to its standards and the drive for perfection

If you are into Lean Manufacturing and Operational Excellence, get this book and you have a great starting point.

Enjoy reading and improving!

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