Posts tagged as:

A3

How to trick yourself into thinking you’re doing lean (and trick others at the same time)

01.10.2012

What to do when problem solving tools become the problem? One of the funniest blogs in the world, in my opinion, is The Oatmeal. However, this one about pros and cons struck a cord because what makes it funny is exactly that it’s how people work. Here’s the heart of the problem: Image by The [...]

Read the full article →

Lean Strategy: Use the A3, or the X-Matrix?

08.19.2011

In this installment of the Lean Strategy Video Series, we’ll talk about a template used in the concept of Hoshin Kanri called the “X Matrix“. While companies starts their effort to Hoshin Kanri, o lot is put in the emphasis of the X-matrix. While most people want to start with the X-Matrix, the A3 is [...]

Read the full article →

Leaning-out “dead wood” in a subcontractor-based business [Guest Post]

05.23.2011

Guest Post: Kurt Woolley is Lean Champion within Intel’s Fab/Sort Manufacturing (FSM) organization, and founder of Atmos Industries. See more on his LinkedIn profile at http://www.linkedin.com/pub/kurt-woolley/3/941/575. Do lean methods apply within a subcontractor-based business? Oh yes! In my recent journeys, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a sub-contractor business – a millwork operation, making cabinets [...]

Read the full article →

Printing Industries of America Conference

04.20.2010

Today I am giving a speech at the Printing Industries of America conference in Tampa, Florida. The topic is Developing People Using A3 Thinking. I have written a lot about the A3 process before and you can find some of my posts here. Here is the presentation I will be delivering: Developing People Using A3 [...]

Read the full article →

Helping Make A3 Work, Part 4 (of 4)

11.25.2009

This is my last in the 4 part series on A3 problem solving. I’ll be answering more questions on a webinar hosted by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers which I hope you’ll check out and join. On to our final questions. Q8. Is there software that can help me with this? Yes and no. The [...]

Read the full article →

Helping Make A3 Work, Part 3

11.24.2009

I am continuing on with more Q&A about the problem solving process of A3, popularized through the use at Toyota and an effective coaching and development tool. So onto the questions. Q5. What is the best way to start? I think it is best to start on a problem that you have no other means [...]

Read the full article →

Helping Make A3 Work, Part 2

11.23.2009

Last Friday I started posting some Q&A on the transformation of problem solving using A3 methods. This is in support of a webinar I am leading on the topic. Here we continue to the Q&A. Q3. What advantages does A3 have over other problem solving methodologies? There are some advantages that are small. It is [...]

Read the full article →

Helping Make A3 Work, Part 1

11.20.2009

On December 15th, I’ll be providing a webinar on the topic of A3 problem solving. I’ve been spending a good amount of time lately helping leaders from various organizations improve their lean thinking by utilizing A3 problem solving. In the following few blog posts, I’ll answer some of the common questions people have about A3 [...]

Read the full article →

Are you stupid or something?

11.13.2009

This is the thought process behind the reactions from managers more often than the words are actually spoken. Even if it were true, does that thought process help you improve? Does it help them? No, it just deteriorates the situation. Of course Forrest Gump had the ultimate response: “Stupid is as stupid does.” But I [...]

Read the full article →