Jan. 5, 2015
Quality Management and “Lean” are very compatible. The two approaches share a customer focused, process based approach and both refer to the ‘PDCA’ – Plan, Do, Check, Act for ongoing review and continuous improvement.
The basic principles of Lean are to:
- Specify the value of the product/service from the standpoint of the end customer
- Identify all the steps and, whenever possible, remove any that don’t create value.
- Optimise the flow of the product/service through those steps.
- Let the interactions between processes drive the flow, pulling the product through the steps.
- Keep improving.
(based on “Principles of Lean” at http://www.lean.org/ )
At the beginning of the New Year, it seems natural to reflect on the year just gone, and to make plans for the future.
Take the opportunity to review your Quality Management System and examine your processes (and documentation) to find ways to reduce wasteful activities for a leaner, smoother year ahead.
Happy New Year!