Implementation itself is a process. And since that is true, then it is a process that can be described and repeated. When we started almost 20 years ago, this idea was not as popular as it is today. During almost two decades we’ve done a lot of implementation and we’ve developed methods that are employed around the world. In the 1990s we formalized our approach: the SLIM-IT model. SLIM-IT®· describes the essential ingredients for implementation success and sustainability.
Structure and the Lean Daily Management System engage the organization and keep everyone focused and accountable. Structure keeps leadership in the game. Their job is to prioritize, decide and direct the initiative.
The Lean Daily Management System is a formal approach to work team involvement. This is vital because work teams are the fundamental building block of value.
We mentor and coach individuals about leadership, how to be proactive instead of reactive and how to navigate the sometimes difficult waters of change.
Metrics are the macro and micro-process measurements that enable small work groups to assess progress on a day-to-day level and enable leadership to direct its coaching efforts.
All of these things: Tools, Teamwork, Technology and Training are used by organizations to attack waste and variation and improve processes. They achieve much greater results when they are applied within the SLIM-IT implementation model since they are held in place and maintained against waste and variation by the outer bands of formal organizational engagement and metrics.
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Tools are the standardized methods and procedures for addressing recognized |
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Teamwork is the synergy created by a group of employees that works together with insight and enthusiasm to maintain, create or improve processes. |
| Technology solutions bring automation and are best applied when lower-tech approaches and involvement mechanisms are already in place. |
Training is the on-the-job, learn-by-doing, structured set of methods and skills required to “do” the initiative, whether lean, Office Kaizen or any other. |
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