How to Perform 5 Whys Root Cause Analysis
How to Perform 5 Whys Root Cause Analysis 5 Whys Root Cause Analysis is a problem-solving technique that helps identify the root cause of an issue—developed by Toyota’s founder, Sakichi Toyoda. At its core, this method is all about finding the underlying issue instead of just treating symptoms. Quick tip: Using our online 5 Whys […]
What is the Right Measure?
Improvement practitioners often find themselves pushing people, organizations, and companies to quantify their operational performance beyond just financial measures. We grouse that companies don’t invest enough in measurement. While this is a problem it can also be the case that a company has too many measures. I recently visited a company where they showed us […]
Get a Free 5 Whys Template and Tips Here
Get a Free 5 Whys Template, Examples, and Tips Here Looking for a free 5 Whys template? We’ve got one for you here along with advice on how to use it effectively. The 5 Whys technique is a problem-solving method used to help identify the root cause of an issue. The technique involves asking “why” […]
How to Use Our 5 Why Template to Analyze a Problem
How to Use Our 5 Why Template to Analyze a Problem Chalmer’s St. Consulting’s free 5 why template is a valuable tool for problem analysis that allows people to identify the root causes of a problem by asking “why” five times. This method encourages teams to dig deep and think beyond surface issues. It can help […]
Those Numbers Are Wrong!
I am currently creating a Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA) Module for CI Mastermind. As such, it is perfect timing to write an article on the always popular topic of “those numbers are wrong!” I will cut to the chase and give you the punchline of this article. First, the numbers are rarely wrong; they just […]
What Are the 5 S of Lean? An Overview and How to Apply Them
Lean philosophy is a business approach that seeks to maximize customer value while minimizing waste. It focuses on continuously improving the processes and products of an organization by eliminating any activities or materials that do not add value for the customer. At its core, lean philosophy advocates for five critical principles known as the 5S […]
How A Continuous Improvement Manager Can Help Your Organization
A Continuous Improvement Manager (CI) can be very helpful for companies that strive to reach their goals and stay competitive in the modern business world. By implementing CI, your organization can benefit from greater efficiency, improved customer satisfaction, better team communication, increased employee engagement and productivity, and cost savings. What Is Continuous Improvement and Why […]
What is a Gemba Walk: A Quick Guide
A Gemba Walk is, at its most basic, a tour of the shop floor with a specific purpose in mind. Its origins come from the Japanese term “Gemba,” which translates to ‘the actual place.’ This phrase embodies where value-adding manufacturing takes place. Gemba walks are an opportunity for key stakeholders to gain valuable insights. During […]
Understanding Leader Standard Work
Leaders have an essential role to play in the success of any organization. Leader Standard Work (LSW) offers managers a standardized toolkit to take proactive and ongoing steps toward excellence. Through Gemba walks, recurrent meetings, processes-oriented goals, and more, LSW ensures team collaboration and improved management performance for consistent results. The Hierarchy of Leader Standard […]
Using Gemba Boards to Improve Productivity
Gemba boards are an effective tool for improving productivity in manufacturing processes. Visualizing data supports better decision-making and helps teams track their performance against targets. While a simple whiteboard can be used for a Gemba board, there are more advanced options available, including software that helps automate the boards and integrate the information from ERP […]