Service, transactional and customer orientated processes have been slow to develop using lean philosophies and principles. Despite most attempts to apply the tools of lean such as andon, takt and standardized work, most service orientated companies fail to grasp that these techniques are Toyota’s interpretation of TPS principles such as Jidoka, Just-In-Time and Standardization. Consequently, most efforts to apply lean fall short before starting because most companies believe their environment is highly customized, unique and unfitting to many of the lean concepts and practices. The conclusion in many cases is that lean is something that cannot be applied or is a system that simply does not work here.
Interestingly, the most universal and misinterpreted concept of lean is that it relates to how people perform work. Most companies have difficulty applying lean in service environments because they are trying to use “manufacturing lean tools” instead of applying the principles which are timeless and applicable to wide range of environments where there are people performing work. Surprisingly, not even Toyota applies the same tools in their manufacturing environments over time.
The University of Kentucky Lean Systems Group is offering a 2-day course in Lean Service to review and introduce how lean can be applied effectively in non-manufacturing environments. Participants will understand how lean can be applied in various administrative environments such as payroll, accounting and many other office functions that relate to how people perform work. This introductory course will demonstrate how lean can be translated into office environments using hands-on techniques that are approachable and effective. Participants will be expected to learn how to avoid common problems in lean service and apply techniques that are meaningful to the organization. Most importantly, participants will understand how changing their approach to work can raise productivity, improve working conditions and develop stable work practices.
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For General Information and
Public Course Registration Contact:
Sandra Dunn
Email:sdunn@engr.uky.edu
Phone: 859-257-4886
Cell: 859-797-6146