Making Lean Work For You

The Ross International Lean programmes are centered on the Kaizen Blitz or Rapid Improvement Event process.  Our experience has led us to develop a list of guidelines that, if followed, will deliver a successful outcome every time.

Critical Success Factors:

• Develop and present a policy that helps the workforce see what the role of the planned Lean activity is in relation to the future success of the operation.  (For Lean to work, any fears that could hold back contribution from the participants need to be addressed)

• Set the right scope and Management Goals for the event

• Raise the awareness of those likely to be impacted as to what is about to happen and what is expected of them

• Make “management commitment” evident by the behaviour of the management during the entire Lean Programme

• Select a multi-level, multi-functional team with the right representation to enable success

• Select a Project Leader who wants to make a difference and will, ideally, have their job made better/easier by a successful event

• Ensure the team will have no interruptions during the event

• Arrange for the Project Leader to have the time to follow through fully after the event week

• Arrange for the team members to be able to support the follow-through

• Anticipate the likely support needs and have support on “standby” throughout the event to give rapid response to the team’s requests

• Provide an event room with food and refreshments laid on throughout the event in order to keep the team together and interacting as much as possible

• Routinely monitor progress and removing blockages as required after the event to ensure that Team plans are met