What do you do if your data analysis skills are not getting you promoted in Lean Manufacturing?

I would identify sources of formal training, to train me and be able to achieve the necessary skills to be able to put data analysis into practice, this would include everything from the basics: Power BI, Python to machine learning, with the aim of this increasing my value and visibility in the organization, I would volunteer to provide support in the projects to be able to put into practice the knowledge acquired and be able to add value to the organization.

Yes, you must become a well rounded expert in Lean to be able to promote it and implement it. But to really have an impact in your organization you will need to be able to apply Lean concepts to all aspects of an organization, like selling ideas, networking, solving conflicts, etc. You must walk the talk and exemplify the Lean principles in everything you do.

If your data analysis skills aren't propelling your advancement in Lean Manufacturing, it's time for a strategic pivot. Elevate your expertise by delving deeper into Lean principles like Kaizen and 5S, aligning your data insights to fuel their implementation. Expand your proficiency in process improvement and project management, essential in Lean environments. By crafting a more holistic skill set, you'll not only enhance your value but also position yourself as an indispensable asset to the organization's success.

Strong and effective communication is not only essential it is key to make the others accept your worth. Strong communication should be polite but loud and should have an impactful delivery

To elevate your career in Lean Manufacturing, it's crucial to go beyond just crunching numbers. Sharpen your communication skills to effectively convey the value of your data insights. Craft compelling narratives that resonate with management by translating data into actionable strategies. Speak the language of leadership, emphasizing efficiency gains, cost reductions, and improved customer satisfaction. Align your data stories with overarching business goals to showcase your potential for advancement.

With most manufacturing improvement projects, it is easy to calculate savings - difference made multiplied by annual volume is the simple equation. For example, reduced waste mulitplied by the annual production volume for that product is the total savings. Yes, story telling is most impactful. Convert the saved waste into extra product created or reduced landfill. Best to picutre with sizes that we generall know - water savings can be equated to Olympic swimming pools for example.

To advance in Lean Manufacturing despite stagnant data analysis progress, pivot your approach. Rather than solely focusing on skill improvement, prioritize networking internally. Forge connections with decision-makers and actively engage in cross-departmental projects. Showcase how your data skills contribute to solving complex challenges across the organization. By enhancing visibility and demonstrating value beyond your role, you position yourself as a promotion-worthy asset.

Seeking feedback and asking expectations is the best way to ensure to you and the company is alinged. Also, ensure that you do this on a regular basis. Consistency matters.

Getting promoted in Lean Manufacturing sounds like a rather ego-centric problem. I would like to add: "... in order to serve your customers, company and environment better". A proper data analysis is key to any project. Given the advance of AI this is even done much faster. So - pick a project, which is in your Goldilock zone and needs data analysis - analyse and forecast your impact - execute - sustain in order to show the sustained success If that goes well, and it will if your data analysis was sound, it will give you the credibility in your organization that will eventually lead to a promotion, in order to serve ... ;)

I've found that when you lead projects, be clear with goal. Set the last three month's average as the base line. Use simple pareto graph to understand areas to focus on. Set a 10week period to make a breakthough result. Finally, get teh team to present to the leadership team. Your role as the leader should be to guide the team to delier an outstanding result and own itr.

Well, see the writing on the wall. Manufacturing process improvement, by definition is extremely incremental. It doesn't matter that rabbits one pulls out of the hat using Six Sigma, Kaizen and what have you, it won't compare to the kind of disruptive innovation that truly adds value on today's World. If it were upto me, I would jettison these outdated paradigms, take some of those foundational skills and utilize them to integrate things like LLMs, AI and Robotics into the manufacturing process. Can you 3D print something that's currently supplied by a traditional supplier? Can you automate repetitive tasks and have robots do them vs. humans? Can you use LLM powered robots to QA check and automatically RCA & fix line breakdowns and such?