Many years ago I wrote about how many companies were trying to get a one-time boost in working capital by extending their purchasing terms from typical net-30 to net-90 and even net-120. In some cases they were even partnering with banks to offer … [Read more]
Metrics from the Perspective of the Customer
A core concept of lean is that value is defined from the perspective of the customer, and therefore waste is as well. We are familiar with both types of muda, waste that is unnecessary and must be removed and waste that is necessary perhaps due to … [Read more]
Restart to a Future State, Not the Previous State
One of my favorite books is Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown. When I first read his book several years ago it put a new spin on lean's perspective on waste and value by applying similar concepts to individual and … [Read more]
Deepening the Lessons of Crisis
I'm sure all of us are paying close attention to the evolving coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and thinking about how it has and will affect our families, organizations, and society. It's too soon to say whether this will be long-term disruptive … [Read more]
Leverage Learning Environments to Create Customer Value
A couple weeks ago a consultant friend of mine, who coincidentally focuses his practice on lean in healthcare, was complaining about issues with his healthcare providers. It's a story we hear often - doctors running late, very short and often … [Read more]
Refining and Reinforcing Principles
Earlier this month Ron discussed his top ten lessons from the last decade and Jon what he believes is the most important word of the year ("daily"). Although I have tried to divorce myself from the arbitrary boundaries of a calendar year, I still … [Read more]