Brainstorming

Brainstorming is simply listing all ideas put forth by a group in response to a given problem or question. In 1939, a team led by advertising executive Alex Osborn coined the term "brainstorm." According to Osborn, "Brainstorm means using the brain to storm a creative …

Elements of Improve (DMAIC)

The sole purpose of the Improve phase is to demonstrate, with fact and data, that your solutions solve the problem. Your organization will make changes in a process that will eliminate the defects, waste, and unnecessary costs that are linked to the customer need …

Setup Reduction

Benefits of Setup Reduction:
- Reduce lead time, resulting in improved delivery Improve documentation of setup processes, leading to improved processes - Decreased inventory and costs, while increasing capacity

Setup reduction is the process of reducing changeover …

Queuing Methods for Reducing Congestion and Delays

Often congestion occurs because of variation in demand, much like travel congestion and delays that we all witness during the holiday season. Once identified, there are two principal techniques for reducing congestion that arises from variation in the demand for …

5S's Method

5 S's method/visual is the process of creating workplace cleanliness and organization including visual signals.

The 5-S process includes five steps:
Sort: Organize and separate needed from unneeded
Straighten: Arrange and identify for ease of use
Shine: Clean …

Kaizen

Kaizen is often translated in the West as ongoing, continuous improvement. Some authors explain Japan's competitive success in the world market place as the result of the implementation of the Kaizen concept in Japanese corporations. In contrast to the usual emphasis on …

Elements of Control (DMAIC)

During the Improve phase, the solution is piloted, and plans are made for full scale implementation. Putting a solution in place can fix a problem for the moment, but the activities in the Control phase are designed to insure that the problem does not reoccur and that …

Quality Control Process Chart

A Quality Control (QC) Process Chart is a tool that helps you document Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) activities for the process.
The Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle is a well-known model for CPI.
It teaches organizations to
- Plan an action,
- Do it,
- Check to see …

Standardization

Standardization enables high quality production of goods and services on a reliable, predictable, and sustainable basis. Standardization is making sure that important elements of a process are performed consistently in the most effective manner. Changes are made only …

Process Simulation

One of the greatest complaints we hear from senior managers is "projects are successfully completed, but I'm not seeing a significant change to the bottom line." That's because in the Define stage of (DMAIC) , Six Sigma experts don't have enough information to quantify …

Bonacorsi Consulting

Steven Bonacorsi is a Senior Master Black Belt instructor and coach. Steven Bonacorsi has trained hundreds of Master Black Belts, Black Belts, Green Belts, and Project Sponsors and Executive Leaders in Lean Six Sigma DMAIC and Design for Lean Six Sigma process …

Does Your Business have a Point of View?

Having a Point of View can give your business a massive boost - and draw you closer to the type of customers you want to deal with - sooner rather than much later.

The Good Old Days
I remember the old saying, "Children should be seen and not heard." I think nowadays …