What do you do if you want to implement lean principles as a product engineer?

2 Assess Processes

Once you grasp the lean concepts, assess your current processes. Look at the product lifecycle from design to delivery through a lean lens. Where is there waste? This could be in the form of overproduction, waiting times, unnecessary transportation, excess inventory, motion, over-processing, defects, or underutilized talent. Engage with your team to get a comprehensive view and start thinking about where you can make changes that will have the most significant impact on reducing waste and improving flow.

3 Plan Changes

Planning changes in your process is the next critical step. You need to create a roadmap for implementing lean principles, which often involves rethinking how tasks are traditionally done. Prioritize the areas with the most waste and develop a phased approach to tackle them. This might include redesigning workspaces for better efficiency, altering production schedules to match customer demand, or streamlining communication channels. Remember, lean is about evolution, not revolution; small, continual changes often yield better long-term results than sweeping transformations.

4 Iterate Quickly

A key component of lean is the concept of kaizen, or continuous improvement. As a product engineer, this means you should be prepared to iterate quickly on your products and processes. Implement changes in small steps and measure the impact. Be prepared to adapt based on what the data tells you. This iterative cycle of planning, executing, reviewing, and improving should become a routine part of your engineering practice. It's about being agile and responsive to change, always looking for ways to do things better.

5 Empower Teams

Lean is as much about people as it is about processes. To successfully implement lean principles, empower your teams to identify inefficiencies and suggest improvements. This involves fostering a culture of open communication and collaboration where everyone feels responsible for the product's success. Encourage team members to take ownership of their work and to think creatively about solving problems. When your team is invested in the lean journey, they'll be more committed to making it a success.

6 Measure Success

Finally, to know if your lean implementation is successful, you must measure it. Define clear metrics that will indicate whether the changes you're making are improving efficiency and reducing waste. These could include cycle times, defect rates, or inventory levels. Regularly review these metrics with your team and use them to guide future improvements. Remember, lean is about continuous improvement; there is always room to get better.