From the Air Force news service and Google Video, a story about what basically sounds like a week-long “kaizen event” with the goal of reducing waste and increasing airplane availability.
Here is a look back at the “Lean Across the Air Force” memo.
One thing I like about these Air Force videos is how they let airmen describe what they are doing and what lean is. Whether it's their own words or scripted, I don't know, but sounds like a good attempt at using lean principles.
There is another video, on engine repair and lean, if you search for “air force lean” on Google Video.
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Mark Graban
Mark Graban is an internationally-recognized consultant, author, and professional speaker who has worked in healthcare, manufacturing, and startups. His latest book is Measures of Success: React Less, Lead Better, Improve More. He is author of the Shingo Award-winning books Lean Hospitals and Healthcare Kaizen, as well as The Executive Guide to Healthcare Kaizen. He also published the anthology Practicing Lean that benefits the Louise H. Batz Patient Safety Foundation, where Mark is a board member. Mark is also a Senior Advisor to the technology company KaiNexus.
I agree about having the airmen speak about what they are doing. Letting the workforce make the reports to management instead of having the Project Manager or Consultant do it is a strong move for the Project. It increases the buy-in of the employees and it goes further toward convincing management that the people are doing the work.