The Chess pieces

I imagine the chess pieces representing lean manufacturing tools i.e 5S , Autonomous Maintenance, Waste Elimination (MUDA), SMED, Kanban Pull systems, , etc. Some are purely individual tools, whilst others like Value Stream Mapping incorporates either one or a combination of initiatives. Hence an analogy of the different chess pieces.

Understanding where we are in the journey to excellence, which could be ‘just starting’ or ‘some implemented’ to ‘fully implemented’ is what decides which of the chess pieces makes the first move. This could be implementing individual tools, or we move two chess pieces, which means implementing in parallel. We also decide how far we move each piece before the next piece – i.e in a pilot line or deploy plant-wide.

Some options :-

•Conduct a baseline evaluation with your team

•Understand what initiatives and which approach  to take

•Assist to prepare a road-map of how and when you expect to realise your mission

•Conduct training – TEACH

•Conduct training and assist in implementation on a pilot line by your team – COACH

•Conduct Train-the-Trainer for team leader to become subject matter champion and provide coaching – MENTOR

•Follow through on sustenance, the continuous improvement process through Standard Management Routines