RIASQ December Dinner Meeting

December 14, 2006 Dinner Meeting

How Lean Supports Continual Improvement

Presented by
Bruce Hamilton

In the 1930’s, Bell Labs statistician Walter Shewhart first developed the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle that began a worldwide quality revolution. The philosophies and methods of the Toyota Production System (TPS, AKA Lean), TQM and six sigma all have a common ancestral beginning in this cycle which prescribes continual improvement to every process through systematic feedback and analysis. What is described in Lean as a six step problem-solving method is essentially identical to the DMAIC model proposed by six sigma. While lean “tools” such as Kanban, continuous flow and mistake-proofing do not require an understanding of statistics like six sigma tools such as SPC or DOE, both toolboxes are grounded in common philosophy to reduce cost though reduction of waste, process variability, and strain. Toyota refers to these as the “Big 3”:
Muda = Waste
Mura = Inconsistency (i.e. process variability)
Muri = Strain

At our December meeting, speaker Bruce Hamilton, President of GBMP will demonstrate how the tools and philosophy of Lean not only reduce each of the Big 3, but also continually surface opportunities for continual improvement. He will also focus on the importance of integrating all methods for continual improvement rather than treating them as competing practices.

Biography for Bruce Hamilton:
Bruce Hamilton is President of the GBMP, a Boston-based non-profit provider of lean technology. Prior to joining GBMP, Mr. Hamilton led efforts at United Electric Controls to revise its manufacturing systems from traditional batch production to one-piece part and information flow. The firm was recognized as a 1990 recipient of the Shingo Prize for Manufacturing Excellence. Mr. Hamilton has been featured in the SME video, Mistake-proofing and in AMA’s video Change Management series, Winning Through Change. He is featured in the 2004 video, Toast Kaizen (recipient of 2005 Academic Shingo Prize), used world-wide to introduce the basics of lean manufacturing, as well Moments of Truth, a how-to leadership video targeted to management and supervision. Bruce is Vice Chair of the Business Board of Examiners for the Shingo Prize and also is on the Shingo Board of Governors. In May, 2000, he was inducted into the prestigious Shingo Prize Academy. As a consultant he has helped some of America’s largest corporations -- as well as some of its smallest -- on the road to world-class practices. In addition to his 18 years in production, Bruce has also held positions in marketing, computer systems, materials management and general management. He brings to his clients a broad-based understanding of manufacturing.

Time:

5:00 pm - Registration and networking
6:00 pm - Dinner
7:00 pm - Program

Location:

Nicole's Tuscany Grille, 555 Atwood Ave, Cranston (Click here for map)

Directions: From 95 North or South, take exit 14 (Route 37 West) OR from 295 North or South take exit 3B (Route 37 West). Follow Route 37 West to the end. Take a right toward Phenix Ave. Continue for about 2 miles. At second traffic light, take a left onto Atwood Ave. Nicole's is about 2 miles on the right.

Menu:

Buffet, including Grilled Chicken w/ Roasted Peppers and Bowtie Pasta, Lobster Ravioli in a Basil Pesto Sauce and Veal & Mushrooms

Prices: $25 members and guests. $15 unemployed members

Reservations: