Today, let’s do the rounds of blogs that talk about Lean, Six Sigma, and other quality management strategies.
Let’s start with The Sixth Sigma, which I recently discovered. It features IBM and the company’s move to go lean has nothing to do with its streamlining of workforce. Well, that should be the case, for Lean is more than just laying off employees. The essence of lean is the continuous pursuit of waste elimination.
Over at Lean Six Sigma Academy, Ron is calling all bloggers or Six Sigma practitioners who want to share their insights on Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvements, to be guest bloggers at LSSA. Good idea, Ron!
Rob Thompson of Lean Sigma, which is now Learn Sigma emphasizing on the lean + six sigma formula, shares how Sony has screwed up lean methods: “God help you if you need a new screw for your Sony stuff: Sony charges 61 Euros (more than $82) for a replacement.”
Then Mike Wroblewski of Got Boondoggle? shared an amusing yet informative incident during their Kaizen event. Kaizen is yet another interesting quality strategy.
These are interesting insights that could help your continuous improvements now. Check out the blogs!
In the post it says “lean is more than just laying off employees”. Laying off employees as a result of a lean initiative is a disaster.
If a company must reduce headcount, it should be done under a headcount reduction initiative.
When lean is implemented properly, the business is improved to either increase revenue or enter new markets. To implement lean most successfully, it is imperative to gain “buy in” from employees.
No employee will use their mind and back to put themselves out of a job.
The reduction in headcount by some consulting firms is what has given lean a bad name and what brought about the perception lean has of resulting in a “leaner” work force.
When every employee has received lean manufacturing training, they will find a way to cut costs and cycle times, improve productivity, reduce inventory, lower setup times, eliminate bottlenecks. These lead to new business.