How can Lean Manufacturing professionals choose the right tool for a problem?

2 Define the goal

The next step is to define the goal or the desired outcome of solving the problem. You need to have a clear and measurable objective that aligns with your customer's needs and expectations. You can use tools such as the SMART Criteria, the KPIs, or the Balanced Scorecard to help you with this step. These tools can help you set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals, and monitor your progress and performance.

3 Select the tool

The third step is to select the tool that best suits your problem and your goal. You need to consider several factors, such as the complexity, the urgency, the resources, and the feasibility of the problem. You also need to evaluate the benefits, the costs, and the risks of each tool. You can use tools such as the Decision Matrix, the SWOT Analysis, or the Cost-Benefit Analysis to help you with this step. These tools can help you compare and contrast different options, and weigh their pros and cons.

4 Apply the tool

The fourth step is to apply the tool that you have chosen to solve the problem. You need to follow the instructions, the guidelines, and the best practices of the tool. You also need to communicate, collaborate, and coordinate with your team and your stakeholders. You can use tools such as the PDCA Cycle, the A3 Report, or the Standard Work to help you with this step. These tools can help you plan, do, check, and act on your solution, and document and share your results and learnings.

5 Evaluate the results

The fifth step is to evaluate the results of your solution and the effectiveness of your tool. You need to measure and analyze the outcomes, the outputs, and the impacts of your solution. You also need to compare and contrast them with your initial goals and expectations. You can use tools such as the Control Chart, the Run Chart, or the Histogram to help you with this step. These tools can help you visualize and interpret your data, and identify any trends, patterns, or variations.

6 Learn and improve

The final step is to learn and improve from your experience and feedback. You need to reflect and review your process, your performance, and your problems. You also need to identify and implement any improvements, changes, or corrections that are needed. You can use tools such as the Kaizen, the Gemba Walk, or the 5S to help you with this step. These tools can help you continuously monitor, assess, and enhance your work environment, your workflow, and your value.