February 2019 – Lean Workplace

What is Six Sigma?

August 10, 2021February 18, 2019 by Mike Wilson

In the manufacturing world, quality rules the day. Producing high-quality products that both meet company standards and customer expectations consistently is what manufacturing engineers dream about, what occupies their thoughts whether they’re in the office, at their kids’ ballet recital, or on the train heading home. Making high-quality products is tough enough, but to do it again and again with efficiency and uniformity, with minimal reworking needed? The challenge feels insurmountable. Lean manufacturing, an umbrella …

What is Gemba?

August 10, 2021February 11, 2019 by Mike Wilson

Gemba, a term first used by Toyota, means going to the real place where the action is. In the 1980s, ‘In Search of Excellence’ author Tom Peters popularized the concept when he talked about management by wandering around (MBWA). Like MBWA, Gemba walks take management to the front lines to see daily happenings. Gemba, however, is more focused. Find Where Value Is Created Gemba refers to “the real place,” the location where value is created …