The Toyota 4 Rules In Use
In their paper Decoding the DNA of the Toyota Production System, Harvard
Business Review, 1999,
Steven Spear and H. Kent Bowen boiled down the essence of all lean systems to these Lean 4 Rules In Use:
Rule 1) Clearly specify all Activities
Standardize work
- Content (what is being done?)
- Sequence (in what order?)
- Timing (how long should it take?)
- Outcome (what clearly defined measurable results are expected?)
Rule 2) Clearly define all Connections
to every customer and supplier
No ambiguity
- Direct (no intermediary between)
- Yes or No answers (no maybe)
Rule 3) Clearly define all Pathways
Organize for uninterrupted flow
- Simple (with as few steps and people as possible)
- Direct steps to deliver the requested product or service
- Clearly defined Standard Work and Job Instructions
Rule 4) Continuously Improve
Develop leaders who can apply the scientific method to improve anything
- Direct response to any problem that arises
- By those doing the work - as close to the problem as possible
- Whenever possible, start as an experiment
- Supported by a coach
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The A3 Interview Questionnaire Use the A3 Interview Questionnaire to ensure that you:
The A3 Interview comes with the Lean tools bundle |
