The basic Lean principles may be used in the office environment as well.  For example review your email in-box. Is that your primary filing system? How long does it take to retrieve an important email from an internal or external customer, especially if you do not remember if  their email address is sorted by last name, first name, or company division? At the end of the day, how do you know if you responded to all emails?

Take a moment and 5 -S your in-box. Like other work areas, at the end of the day, you will have peace of mind that all critical mail was handled correctly and be able to see your accomplishments. Set up a filing system for those emails that need follow up and then periodically review the file.  You will be surprised the difference it makes it your daily productivity!

What do you think?

Lean focuses on adding value to the customer. Any activity or resource that does not contribute to adding value to the customer is considered waste and should be reviewed for elimination.

A lot of times when thinking of “lean” we think of manufacturing. What about lean offices? Doctor offices are a personal favorite, especially when the lobby has enough seats for 30 people in an office with 1 doctor. At the other extreme are theme parks that have entertainment monitors, music and refreshments stationed for guests standing in line.  Obviously one builds the hype and the other has me considering alternatives!

Wait is one of the 7 wastes.

Lean is a philosophy or way of life. Once you start practicing lean, be careful be careful. You will see a lot of opportunities to reduce waste and reduce costs or increase profit.

Thank goodness for smart phones. Now we just take the office with us and send email where ever we go!

What do you think?