What do you do if you want to stand out as a Lean Manufacturing consultant?

Lean Manufacturing : It’s a systematic approach to identify the essentials and non-essential activities , apply ways to eliminate the non-essentials . Primary aspect is to figure out the pain points and prepare the field for simple workable solutions. Prioritise the quick wins for the team to taste the essence of success and help them to generate more practical ideas. Look at the basics , think simple , have a pragmatic approach in anything and everything that we do.

Comece construindo uma base sólida de conhecimentos básicos em Lean Manufacturing, e entenda os princípios fundamentais, como elimina??o de desperdícios, fluxo contínuo, melhoria contínua, e respeito pelas pessoas. Vá além do básico e explore todos os aspectos do Lean Manufacturing, incluindo ferramentas e técnicas específicas como Kaizen, 5S, Kanban, SMED, Poka-Yoke, entre outras,e busque familiarize-se com diferentes metodologias e abordagens dentro do Lean, além de oportunidades para obter certifica??es em Lean Manufacturing, como o Lean Six Sigma. Participe de workshops, cursos de treinamento e programas de desenvolvimento profissional para aprimorar suas habilidades e conhecimentos!

In my opinion, Lean methodology is essentially a condensed form of traditional Industrial Engineering. Reflecting on this, I would highly recommend a thorough understanding of foundational Industrial Engineering principles, from layout and material flow to advanced statistical analysis beyond Excel for optimization. While this is all theory, I'd strongly pick-up any and all projects that I can find.

First of all, learn, learn, and learn. A general idea about Lean and generic answers to specific questions will not hold water. Besides the in-depth knowledge needed for a consultant, one must possess hands-on experience. Design of Experiments, running experiments, and being an ace in at least 50 out of the >400 Lean tools is the second must.

Penso que adotar uma abordagem onde, entender a essência do Sistema Toyota de Produ??o e que o Lean deriva deste sistema, pode fazer toda diferen?a. Conseguir obter a estabilidade básica, para a partir de ent?o buscar o just-in-time, e o Jidoka, traz robustez à implementa??o de a??es que podem, de fato, trazer valor ao cliente. Para alcan?ar esses “objetivos”, naturalmente deve-se estar onde as coisas acontecem, onde as pessoas est?o atuando, e assim, poder entender as variáveis, as particularidades, e as prováveis causas do que n?o anda bem. Aplicar as ferramentas e métricas para solucionar os problemas é operacionalizar o que se define com base no que foi visto no gemba.

Show how to do it! Know how works work is the best way to build reputation. People follow what you do, not what you say. As IKEA founder once say: "No method is more powerfull than a good example"

In my view, reputation is the key-variable, the most challenging one to develop, while building a consultant career. The consultant network starts from the moment results come on. That being so, it’s highly recommended to show lots of proactivity and availability while bringing lean manufacturing changes. It’s important to let people know you are there to help add value to their routines. By the time outcomes come, your work will be more valued - in terms of knowledge and financial earnings. Customers will tell others you had a good approach and brought excellent results to their businesses. If you think it’s possible, get a mentorship with a senior well-known consultant as one’s going to help create your reputation in the market too.

Reputation building is solidly based on credibility. Which, in turn, is related to the trust that people place in your services, knowledge, and deliveries.

To stand out as a Lean Manufacturing consultant, specialize in a niche within lean principles, gain hands-on experience in diverse industries, and obtain relevant certifications like Six Sigma. Build a strong track record of measurable improvements in efficiency and cost reduction. Stay updated with the latest industry trends and technologies, such as IoT and AI in manufacturing. Network extensively, share knowledge through blogs or speaking engagements, and tailor your approach to each client's specific needs, showcasing flexibility and innovation in problem-solving.

- A mi me ha resultado útil involucrar y comprometer al personal con los objetivos del negocio y de los clientes para obtener los resultados que agregan valor de una manera eficiente y efectiva. Después compartir con los equipos de trabajo los aprendizajes y establecer procesos de mejora continua.

-find improvement opportunities, -offer solutions to the issues -detect where to improve according to priority or high results activities that reflects improvements

Lean manufacturing focuses on waste elimination within processes. In the food manufacturing industry, where margins are often slim, adopting lean manufacturing techniques is crucial for management. Among various strategies, the most impactful is automating processes. Automation helps eliminate the time and resources needed between different stages of production. For instance, introducing conveyor belts that move goods from one process to the next has significantly reduced labor costs and time, thereby enhancing productivity. This approach not only streamlines operations but also boosts overall efficiency.

Connect solutions with the problems that the company face is an important approaching. Since the simple tools until predictive models.

My take on this..... ?? Custom Solutions: Tailor approaches to each client's unique needs. Ensure alignment with strategic objectives. Don't copy and paste solution from one client to another! ?? Analysis: Delve into processes, pinpointing inefficiencies. Data-driven insights reveal root causes. Ask Why's unashamedly! ?? Actionable Plans: Translate insights into practical, measurable actions. Empower teams for sustainable improvements. ?? Value and Relationships: Showcase measurable impacts on key metrics. Build a collaborative partnerships for ongoing success.

Entender claramente a necessidade de seu cliente. Após escutar a voz do cliente, delimitar a atua??o para ser feito um diagnóstico preciso a ter como base para desenvolvimento da estrutura de atua??o. Analisar as variáveis de atua??o e deixar muito bem alinhado as diretrizes de atua??o junto ao cliente. Monte times fortes, que conseguir?o contribuir com as solu??es propostas e as implementa??es necessárias. Fa?a regulamente alinhamento da condu??o junto ao cliente e replique os ganhos obtidos!

Be passionate about what you are doing. With that you’ll captivate the others around you and they’ll respect you and what you believe. Lean is not a methodology - it’s a culture, a philosophy. You have to live Lean. Preach it wherever you go with your heart. Show your knowledge, experience, results you achieved and the results that can be achieved around you with Lean. This way, you’ll be able to continuously engage others around you!

The best strategy for standing out as a good consultant is to always be yourself. Remember no one does that better than you. Stay engaged with the worksite. Study the human and machine movement. Understand why things are the way they are and become the subject matter expert. This takes a little more time and effort but pays off big time. You have to be able to solve problems and define solutions at almost the same time. This is tricky but can be done. Don’t get stuck in some else’s paradigm develop your own flow and lead!!!

- Los procesos que me han funcionado son: 1. La retroalimentación continua con los clientes internos y externos. 2. Entender los impactos en las partes interesadas. 3. Realizar los ajustes (tunning) conforme se llega a los resultados del proyecto.

1) It involves maintaining open communication with the client throughout the lean implementation process. These will includes regularly checking in, providing updates, addressing any concerns or questions, and ensuring that the client remains actively involved and informed. 2) Continuous engagement helps build trust, fosters collaboration and ensures that the project stays on track towards achieving the desired outcomes.

Engage continuously with clients by maintaining open lines of communication, actively listening to their needs, and providing ongoing support and guidance. Regularly assess progress, address any challenges or concerns promptly, and adapt strategies as necessary to ensure alignment with evolving goals and objectives. Offer periodic check-ins, workshops, and training sessions to reinforce Lean principles and sustain momentum. Foster a collaborative partnership by encouraging feedback, sharing best practices, and celebrating achievements together. By staying actively engaged, you can cultivate long-term relationships and drive lasting success for your clients in Lean Manufacturing.

- Algunas ideas que me han resultado útiles son: 1. Mantener equipos motivados y reconocidos para alentarlos siempre a la innovación. 2. Mantenerse al día con nuevas tecnologías que coadyuven a la efectividad del proceso “siempre fresco” 3. Reconocimiento y recompensa del personal para promover los valores de la innovación y orgullo en la organización.

En este entorno, es necesario ser excelente en la generación de nuevos productos y servicios que permitan afrontar el futuro con confianza. La innovación y desarrollo de nuevos productos y servicios es clave para asegurar el éxito a largo plazo. Los proyectos de desarrollo de hoy son el futuro . Utilizando, entre otras, las metodologías Lean, Agile, design thinking o APQP, se reducen los plazos de desarrollo, aumenta la calidad de los productos y servicios y, al mismo tiempo reducen los costes de desarrollo. Y, además, implantar una cultura de innovación, orientación al mercado y mejora continua en la empresa.

Mastering the fundamentals and techniques are premises. Furthermore, I would invest in a good marketing strategy and building a network within the operating ecosystem.

Main Key ingredient for Lean Success...! Nothing beats it?? Stakeholders should be engaged on continuous basis.. Suggestions should pour down down from every corner of shop floor... Mutual Respect and Team Efforts..!!??

Innovate constantly by exploring new technologies, methodologies, and approaches within Lean Manufacturing. Stay updated on emerging trends and industry advancements, and proactively seek opportunities to integrate innovative solutions into client projects. Encourage creativity and experimentation within your team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and adaptation. Collaborate with experts from diverse fields to gain fresh perspectives and insights. Embrace a mindset of curiosity and exploration, always seeking better, more efficient ways to optimize processes and deliver value to clients. Through ongoing innovation, you can stay ahead of the curve and drive meaningful change in Lean Manufacturing practices.

I think the global strategy view is necessary to understand the challengies to first adress. You have to know what you have to improve but more than that, Why you need to do it and how you are going to measure the success (cycle time reduction, leadtime reduction or repeatability,...) Sharing the Why in all organisation levels will ensure sustainability.

Buscar novos conhecimentos, se aprofundar sempre nos assuntos. Alavancar o network de atua??o. Qualifica??o constante! Além de buscar parceiros, compartilhe conhecimentos e experiências...

Networking is a good thing for seeding the Lean at every workplace. Meantime it's useful for upgrading the our manufacturing culture

Networking at all levels is crucial for spreading lean mentality in any challenge you face, as it is the most essential and critical factor in lean management. Once you succeed in this aspect, everything else falls into place as lean as its name suggests. Issues will be efficiently demonstrated, analyzed, and resolved in a lean and standardized manner.

1. Build network continuously. And post the progress and the challenges in the upcoming goals to the team 2. Always be transparent and open to the team Sooner or later the result will come 3. Always take updates from bottom to top 4. The Importance of network is lies within the words itself

Consider the broader organizational context, including culture, resources, and capabilities, when implementing Lean solutions. Foster buy-in and alignment among stakeholders at all levels to ensure successful adoption. Prioritize sustainability by embedding Lean principles into the organization's DNA for long-term impact. Remain flexible and adaptable in response to changing circumstances and market dynamics. Continuously monitor and evaluate performance metrics to track progress and identify areas for further improvement.

As a Lean consultant, your goal is to drive sustainable transformation by aligning Lean principles with the organization’s strategic vision. **Diagnostic Assessment**: Conduct a deep analysis of capabilities, concerns, and strategic priorities to identify inefficiencies. **Tailored Lean Program**: Develop a customized approach, addressing specific needs and aligning with long-term goals. **Measurable Outcomes**: Commit to clear, measurable KPIs that ensure accountability and track progress. **Holistic Support**: Provide ongoing guidance, building internal capabilities for sustained improvement. **Strategic Alignment**: Ensure Lean initiatives drive long-term growth and competitive advantage.

In manufacturing, I consider Inventory in the Supply Chain an evil and Overproduction a crime. So, it is imperative for practitioners to implement good manufacturing practices such as Six Sigma, 5S, KANBAN, Continuous Improvement and JIT in their Operations. Also, many view eliminating of WASTE; anything that does not add value to a product in progress as an important principle. However, the biggest WASTE is management of these enterprises fail to value their human resources, particularly the use of workforce skills and talents appropriately. In business, always value on people in the organization, invest in people for continuous training and upgrading programs. It is an essential principle to achieving excellence in lean management. ? ?

In the realm of lean manufacturing, staying updated is vital. By keeping current with trends and shifts, you position yourself as a leader. Embrace continuous learning through workshops and online resources to stay ahead. Share your insights through articles and discussions, contributing to the community and solidifying your expertise. In the world of lean manufacturing, it's not just what you know—it's how you share it. Build your legacy by staying informed and actively participating in the field.

In my consultancy programs and projects with clients, I have adopted a “targeted niche strategy”, emphasizing the strong link between sustainability and lean manufacturing, highlighting the quantifiable advantages and financial growth these methods bring about: 1. Resource minimization: Decrease fabric waste, overproduction, and unnecessary materials, thereby lessening the environmental burden. 2. Energy optimization: Incorporate energy-efficient practices throughout production processes and facilities. 3. Water management: Streamline water usage in manufacturing, dyeing, and cleaning operations. 4. Eco-conscious materials: Integrate sustainable, biodegradable, and recycled fabrics into garment manufacturing processes.