TXM Lean Minute – How Creating Flow Helps You See and Solve Problems in Lean Production

Learn how creating flow in your business is like creating good traffic flow. When the flow stops it shows that something non-standard has happened and prompts you to solve problems. Learn why flow is so important in Lean Production.

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Read A Transcript of this Video.

Hi I’m Brent Johnstone from TXM

Flow – How does Work or Information Flow

Why is it that Flow ‘stops’ and what gets it ‘started’ again.

Competing priorities and varying durations mean things move at different rates with different need times

Driving to work is a great place to observe flow.

Traffic lights are used to ‘sequence ‘ flow  (Heijunka and visual management)

Ever been caught with lights not sequenced correctly?

Roundabouts can maintain continuous flow provided everyone approaches at the correct speed. (standard work)

If someone rushes in it causes everyone else to rapidly stop! Sound like an expedited job?

Ever been stopped for no good reason – well there probably is a good reason – something non-standard happened

Visual controls – traffic lights, speed limits,  can control the pace of FLOW

Heijunka – Light sequencing this controls the mix for the overall flow

Visual Standards – linemarking, these help keep the system from breaking down

Ever been stopped for no good reason – well there probably is a good reason – something non-standard happened

Creating flow will save you business time and frustrations every day!

Just like sitting in traffic and observing. Stand in the work area and just observe, you might be surprised what you see!