ABSTRACT
Share the larger goal and brainstorm to get specific improvement ideas. Brainstorming generates a large number of ideas. Anyone can start a spontaneous in-the-work-area brainstorm. Simply ask co-workers for a lot of ideas on a specific topic. For instance, “What are some ideas to prevent rough spots on the filler neck?” Sample answer: “If we welded from the inside, the outside would stay smooth.”
Record all ideas with no judgment. Write on a large note pad, flip chart, or ask co-workers to write individual ideas on a sticky note and then post them for all to see.
Ask, “What would make the process easier or simpler?” Look at the steps in your process and measure the time they take. Ask for ideas to
Reduce the time it takes
Eliminate a step
Make a step easier to do
Make a step safer to do
Change the process to make a good-quality part or document the first time
Reduce the amount of walking needed to do the task
Balance the workload among employees so that no team member has to “strain” to keep up
Eliminate the stopping and starting of the work flow
Play with ideas. Ask, “What if we did it this way?”
Volunteer to test your ideas
