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Fast Break
July 2017, Volume 22
The Path to Working Lean (aka: Smart)
Step #1: Identify where time is wasted.
Special Contributor: Karen Tucker, Renewable Services Director, Wanzek
In the next several issues, Fast Break will publish a column dedicated to “working smarter,” by explaining the theory of Lean Six Sigma. There are eight types of waste that we will explain in upcoming issues but first, we need to understand what “Lean” is:
Definition of “Lean”: Lean is a set of tools and practices aimed at reducing waste and improving reliability. Waste is defined as any activity that consumes resources but does not add value to a process. By eliminating wasted time, we can shorten the timeline from when the customer orders the product or service to when the product/service is delivered.
Example of working “Lean”:
We are all familiar with the daily process of brushing our teeth. The steps include applying water and toothpaste to a toothbrush, rubbing the brush vigorously over our teeth, spitting out the wastewater, rinsing the toothbrush, etc. Time and energy expended rubbing the brush over our teeth is productive – our teeth get cleaner. But what about the time we spend searching for the toothpaste tube in the drawer? That contributes to wasted time.
In the October issue, we’ll examine the 8 types of waste where productivity gets sucked out of our day.
If you have a Lean question or story, write to us at: corporate.newsletter@mastec.com.
Lean:
Eliminating clutter and organizing by category makes things more accessible and increases productivity.
Wasteful:
Disorganization causes us to waste time looking for things, and reduces productivity.
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