What are the Signs?
In these times of ever changing business climates, we here at Federal Heath Sign Company continue to ask, what is the next phase in extending the ability to sustain a continuous improvement culture? In this journey of assessing the current state, we reflect upon what lean means to us on three different levels: 1. What does "lean" mean to me personally? 2. What does "lean" mean to our company? 3. What does "lean" mean to the entire enterprise, which incorporates our product, processes, suppliers and customers?
Our journey is one focused upon daily Kaizen, a Japanese term for a gradual approach to ever higher standards in quality enhancement and waste reduction, through small but continual improvements involving everyone. This constant focus on changing our behavior towards improving all areas of our business remains a key element in providing value to our external and internal customers. The continued implementation of lean methodology in each of the aforementioned levels represents opportunities for reducing significant frustration and stress for all involved.
On a personal level, we're working to "ADOPT" Lean, which is an acronym representing a model for personal, continuous change process:
Analyze: Where can I make improvements in my daily activities and processes?
Determine: I will start making at least one improvement a month in my daily processes.
Optimize: I will build upon improvement: make the processes as smooth and easy as possible; and communicate best practices with other teams.
Perform: I will carry out the set goals for one improvement at a time and track actual gains.
Take Action: I will take the initiative, accountability and responsibility to improve processes daily. I will be accountable and lead by example in pursuing excellence.
As a company, we're vigorously pursuing the systematic identification and elimination of waste in every process and level within our organization. Pursuing operational excellence through the practice of Lean remains a critical strategy to combat the financial turmoil engulfing many manufacturing industries. As a team, we're engaged in providing value-added solutions for our customers and empowered team members.
In conclusion, although anxiety runs high in the business world, the Federal Heath Sign family continues to transition towards an ever growing learning organization that embraces lean strategies resulting in positive influences upon the entire enterprise.
Rick Forman
Federal Heath Sign Company Manager of Lean Development