Glossary of Lean Terminology
Lean Term : 6S
Definition : Used for improving organization of the workplace, the name comes from the six steps required to implement and the words (each starting with S) used to describe each step: sort, set in order, scrub, safety, standardize, and sustain.
Use : Create a safe and organized work area
Lean Term: A3 thinking
Definition : Forces consensus building; unifies culture around a simple, systematic methodology; also becomes a communication tool that follows a logical narrative and builds over years as organization learning; A3 = metric nomenclature for a paper size equal to 11”x17”
Use : TPOC, VSA, RIE, problem solving
Lean Term : Affinity Diagram
Definition : A process to organize disparate language info by placing it on cards and grouping the cards that go together in a creative way. “header” cards are then used to summarize each group of cards
Use : Problem solving, brainstorming
Lean Term : Andon
Definition : A device that calls attention to defects, equipment abnormalities, other problems, or reports the status and needs of a system typically by means of lights – red light for failure mode, amber light to show marginal performance, and a green light for normal operation mode.
Use : Visual management tool
Lean Term : Annual Objectives
Definition : In Policy Deployment, those current year objectives that will allow you to reach your 3-5 year breakthrough objectives
Use : Strategic focus
Lean Term : Autonomation
Definition : Described as “intelligent automation” or “automation with a human touch.” If an abnormal situation arises the machine stops and the worker will stop the production line. Prevents the production of defective products, eliminates overproduction and focuses attention on understanding the problem and ensuring that it never recurs.
Use : On-demand, defect free
Lean Term : Bottleneck
Definition : The place in the value stream that negatively affects throughput; as a resource capacity limitation, a bottleneck will not allow a system to meet the demand of the customer.
Use : Constraint or flow stopper
Lean Term : Bowling Chart
Definition : A form used to track performance (plan vs actual) on Policy Deployment objectives. Usually reviewed with top management on a monthly basis
Use : Visual management
Lean Term : Breakthrough Objectives
Definition : In Policy Deployment, those objectives characterized by multi-functional teamwork, significant change in the organization, significant competitive advantage and major stretch for the organization.
Use : Strategic Focus
Lean Term : Catch Ball
Definition : The process of selecting strategies to meet an objective at any level then getting managers and their teams to engage in dialogue to reach agreement on strategies to achieve their goals.
Use : Strategy deployment Collaborative goal setting
Lean Term : Cause and Effect Diagram
Definition : A problem-solving tool used to establish relationships between effects and multiple causes.
Use : Problem solving
Lean Term : CEDAC
Definition : Acronym for Cause and Effect Diagram with the Addition of Cards. CEDAC is a method for involving team members in the problem solving process.
Use : Problem solving
Lean Term : Cellular Manufacturing
Definition : An approach in which manufacturing work centers (cells) have the total capabilities needed to produce an item or group of similar items; contrasts to setting up work centers on the basis of similar equipment or capabilities, in which case items must move among multiple work centers before they are completed Creating flow and eliminating waste Cellularization Grouping machines or processes that are connected by work sequence in a pattern that supports flow production
Use : Creating flow and eliminating waste
