THANKS for visiting SPS. We provide High Quality "operational improvement and design" Training and Support Services. Our three areas of expertise are: 1) Building a Successful Continuous Operational Improvement program, 2) Developing & analyzing Accurate Process Flow Simulation Models, and 3) Coaching leaders on how to more effectively maximize the engagement level of their direct reports
Thanks to the emphasis by Wall Street on rewarding companies that have an effective productivity program, companies have been embracing Operational Improvement Tools & Techniques.
The title companies give for their productivity efforts range from Six Sigma, to LEAN, Productivity, Industrial Engineering, Continuous Process Improvement, etc.…
In the late 1980’s, the term “Lights Out” factory became popular in the manufacturing world.
Manufacturing Leaders had a vision of a factory full of automation and no workers.
That vision has continued to drive manufacturers to keep looking for ways to replace workers with automation.…
Kaizen is an inefficient process.
Let’s face it, taking a team of 6-10 people away from their job for 3-5 days every time you solve a problem is just not cost effective.
On the other hand, if you are working to build a Continuous Improvement (CI) culture, Kaizen is a useful tool.…
We have just completed a process mapping exercise, and are thinking to ourselves:
1) What was the point of doing this?
2) Is everybody, who is involved, getting something out of their participation?
3) When would I do this again?
All very good questions. A good process mapping exercise takes effort to plan and organize, and can be like “herding cats” to facilitate.…
