Questions and Answers
Fishbone diagrams are a Lean problem-solving tool used to identify the root cause of an issue. The goal is to reveal relationships between variables Performing a root cause analysis is one of Lean’s most important methods for problem solving and implementing corrective actions that will prevent the problem from happening again. You may also see … Read more
Value steam mapping is a Lean method used for reducing waste, planning improvement activities, evaluating progress, and more. The Toyota Motor Company is credited with developing and implementing the original VSM template, a represent of materials and information flowing through the facility. The goal of creating a VSM is to look at the current state … Read more
Overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) is a Lean metric considered to be the gold standard for evaluating manufacturing operations. OEE is a percentage representing the amount of manufacturing time is truly productive; higher OEE scores means production is closer to meeting its full potential. Companies calculate OEE to uncover losses, identify opportunities for improvement, and track … Read more
Just-in-time (JIT) manufacturing is a term used synonymously with the Toyota Production System (TPS), the methodology that Lean manufacturing is largely based upon. The exact details of JIT’s origins are a bit unclear but can be traced back to post-World War II Japan. The term JIT is so interchangeable with TPS because it was during … Read more
Balanced scorecards are a Lean tool used to connect day-to-day operations with the big picture goals of an organization. It is a system that helps prioritize projects and products while measuring a maintaining the progress to meet strategic targets. Each task and every action an operator or assembly line worker completes should, in some way, … Read more
When working with chemicals or other hazardous substances it is important to understand the dangers so that proper precautions can be taken. For facilities following the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), this starts with the GHS label. The label will include a variety of different types of information to help identify the chemical, present the various … Read more
When looking at GHS labels most people will immediately recognize the various pictograms that are surrounded by the red diamond. This is the most important part of the GHS label because it allows everyone to quickly understand the type of danger that is present when working with the chemical that has been labeled. In many … Read more
If you use GHS in your facility it is critical that you know how to create the labels that you need to remain in compliance. This is even more important if you operate in the United States or another country where GHS standards are mandatory. Creating or attaining GHS labels is quite easy and can … Read more
Any facility that uses GHS will need to have easy access to labels that depict the GHS pictograms. These labels will be used on all containers used to store hazardous chemicals, any shipping boxes or trucks, and other areas where these chemicals are used. Fortunately, it is a simple process to create your own GHS … Read more
Industries around the world use a wide-range of different chemicals to create products and accomplish other tasks. Many of these chemicals have properties that can make them very dangerous if not stored, shipped, and used properly. Given the fact that companies from around the world often work together to use, store, and ship these chemicals, … Read more