You finished week 1! Did you find opportunities to reduce rework and errors? Please share any key finds you discovered during your Muda Walk.

Week 2: 09/10 – 09/14

Theme: Reduce waste by getting the work to Flow

The opposite of flow is the waste of waiting – we want value to flow, never wait. When the material flows through to installation, value is added, inventory and operating costs are reduced, and a company can take market share from its competitors. Work flow aids in faster identification of problems (improves quality) and it requires quicker communication between steps (we have to collaborate.)

When watching for “flow” - look for what is stopping the work from flowing. Ideally we want the material to flow from delivery to the job site straight to the install area with little or no delays. Try to discover why the work isn’t flowing, what are the barriers or constraints keeping it from moving and being installed.  Look for:

• Work waiting for workers
• Stacks of material in inventory, in the lay-down yard and in the actual construction install areas
• Rough-in areas waiting for pipe or concrete.
• Boxes of parts, valves, vains, control boxes, etc. not being installed.
  

For any indicators of no-flow - start asking “why” (not who) to determine the root cause and ways to improve flow.

Best wishes in spotting Muda.
Go and See – Ask Why – Show Respect – Do No Harm