May 6, 2014 | Posted by Ben Thompson
So we have found our Takt time, we have collected the data on our processes, we have processed our data into a CT vs. TT graph, and we have started to invoke an atmosphere for change. But where is a good place to start the kaizen process. Our data should indicate problem areas where the three M’s of waste occur. Muri is the waste of over burdening, a common example is when a team member’s work content lacks a cyclic nature to it, inconsistent work causes extra burden on ones mind and makes it harder to perform tasks. Mura is the waste of unevenness, a prime example of this is the orders of a customer fluctuating greatly causing the volume to greatly differ. This makes it harder for the company to react and fill orders in a timely manner. And of course the seven wastes of Muda:
1. Overproduction.
2. Waiting
3. Transporting
4. Inappropriate Processing
5. Unnecessary Inventory
6. Unnecessary / Excess Motion
7. Defects
We want to start with decreasing the Muri, Mura, and Muda throughout our processes and we want to gain momentum with our first strike, so we strike at the heart. We kaizen the area or process that will show the greatest change, the process or area that is the bread and butter of our company. Next time we will discuss the kaizen methodologies we can implement when we,
Keep
Calm
and
Kaizen
On!