NOVEMBER 20239The final element of the lean implementation is to implement management routines to monitor and sustain the lean tools on the shop floor. The key here is to develop leaders that understand lean principles. Managers are trained to lead with respect, check standards on the shop floor, and run daily meetings to check performance and solve problems. Leading with respect can be practiced through routine observations of the process with an eye for observing how people are working, providing processes, and continuously improving. These observations, often termed "Gemba Walks", are layered with higher frequency for supervisors closer to the shop floor. Leaders use these to see reality, engage with employees, and solve problems impacting performance that cannot be solved by those working directly in the process. This simple routine is essential to maintaining a highly engaged culture and preventing natural deterioration caused by a lack of process observation. Another key routine to implement is a daily management system. These are a series of meetings that occur daily at different levels of the organization. These meetings are brief, no longer than fifteen minutes, stand up, and managed through visual boards with clear performance measures and action plans to address problems from the previous day of shift. The visuals allow everyone in the area to know if they are winning or losing, and if an area is off-track, the team develops countermeasures to address the performance gaps. Daily management is a routine a leader can use to coach problem-solving and develop the next generation of managers. In conclusion, today's supply chain environment includes many factors beyond the manufacturer's control. Even with these challenges, organizations can create some stability by implementing lean processes guided by a roadmap, while developing the next generation of managers that will be prepared to handle the next distribution. Today's supply chain environment includes many factors beyond the manufacturer's control. Even with these challenges, organizations can create some stability by implementing lean processes guided by a roadmap
< Page 8 | Page 10 >