Synopsis
This book bridges the gap between a highly quantitative analysis of a process that requires extensive training (i.e., Six Sigma certification) and a more simplified approach that can be used and understood by the masses(i.e., Lean thinking). The goal of this book is to make the methods and tools of Lean and Six Sigma accessible to more people and provide a common sense or practical approach to problem solving and continuous improvement. This book is intended to be used by Sigma Belt Levels, Lean Senseis (i.e., teachers), Continuous Improvement Specialists, front-line managers, supervisors of departments and work groups, and improvement team members in their efforts to improve production and delivery of goods and services while reducing waste and variation in all types of processes. The Lean Six Sigma tools and concepts are presented relative to the A3 Project Report to provide a definitive how-to guide to problem solving and continuous improvement (Kaizen) initiatives. The examples contained in this book are from a wide range of industries and functional areas within organizations, and will assist team members to fully understand the tool s usage and purpose. We expect with the knowledge conveyed in this book, as well as the experiences from your improvement projects, that one day you will become a Lean Sensei at whatever functional level you are within your organization. The Practical Lean Six Sigma Pocket Guide is designed as a convenient, quick reference, and, most importantly, a step-by-step implementation guide. You can put your finger on any tool within a matter of seconds! Find the right tool for the right initiative by using the: - Navigate the Prepare - Define - Measure - Analyze - Improve - Control right side book tabs. - Complete the A3 Project Report as you learn and apply the various tools on the project by: 1. Go to the tab in the book that corresponds to the D-M-A-I-C Phase you are working on. 2. Read about the tools for that phase of your project. 3. Apply the appropriate tools. 4. Complete the relevant section of the A3 Project Report. 5. Repeat 1 - 4 as you navigate through the phases and complete your project. v Use the Case Study Example Look-Ahead and Tool Grid Matrix to direct you to specific pages with examples or case studies. - Use the Index for quick access to a specific topic or tool. The tools are presented in a sequence that you would most likely first encounter using that particular tool. However, many tools are used repeatedly throughout the D-M-A-I-C Phases. For example, Effective Meetings and Project Management are introduced in the Define Phase but will be most likely used in each of the phases, the Run Chart is introduced in the Analyze Phase and will most likely be used (or updated) in the Control Phase, and so forth. The improvement tools and standard methodology used must be tailored to the facility, department, and/or process in which they will be used. The following icons will be your navigator throughout the sections of this book. Also, each phase refers back to the appropriate section of the A3 Project Report.
About the Author
Rob Ptacek is a Partner in the Global Lean Institute and President and CEO of Competitive Edge Training and Consulting, a firm specializing in leader and organizational development, and Lean Enterprise transformations. Rob holds a BS in Metallurgical Engineering from Michigan Technological University and a Masters of Management from Aquinas College. Rob has held leadership positions in Quality, Sales, and Operations Management, and has over 25 years of practical experience implementing continuous improvements in a variety of industries. Todd Sperl is an enthusiastic, creative speaker and process improvement expert who looks beyond today s problems to find tomorrow s solutions. As Owner and Managing Partner of Lean Fox Solutions, Todd s vision is to improve the patient care experience from one healthcare touch point to the next. As a Master Black Belt and Lean Sensei, Todd s exceptional track record of process improvement has been based on his philosophy of total enterprise engagement in change. Todd received his BS in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and an MS in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from St. Mary s University in San Antonio, Texas. Jayant Trewn, PhD is an Industrial Engineer specializing in Quality Systems design, development, implementation, and management. Jayant has accumulated over a decade of experience working in healthcare organizations such as Spectrum Health Medical Group, Beaumont Hospitals, and Lason Systems where he built healthcare delivery process improvement programs based on Lean, Six Sigma, and PDCA concepts. Jayant has authored the book Multivariate Statistical Methods in Quality Engineering and he has been published in international journals. He holds a Doctorate degree in Industrial Engineering from the College of Engineering, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA. He earned his MBA in Information Systems at Wayne State University and his Bachelor of Engineering degree from Madras University, India.
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