Error Proofing the Hotel TV
Error proofing (aka "poka yoke" or mistake proofing) is such a powerful Lean method. Some people, unfortunately,…
Browsing Tag
Everyday Lean
Lean Thoughts During Saturday Errands
I was running errands around Boston last Saturday, preparing for our move back to Texas (as my wife finishes her 12…
Everyday Lean (or Not): Whole Foods and an Herbal Near Miss
Saturday morning, as part of my preparation to cook for a brunch gathering (I really enjoy cooking as a hobby, for…
Life Without Tap Water in Boston – New Standardized Work
I'm sitting here on a Sunday morning, drinking a cup of coffee I made at home with bottled water. Why bottled…
How a Simple Office Kanban System Works at the Lean Enterprise Institute
One of the things I like about working at the Lean Enterprise Institute might seem like a silly thing -- it's that…
No Joke: Lean Methods Applied by a Hockey Coach in Ontario
Unlike Thursday's joke, this is real. It's a video posted by the Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME),…
Apple & Microsoft – Please Move “Control-W”!!!!
I'm a very frequent computer user and I'm pretty good with the ole' shortcut keys, on both Mac and Windows (I'm…
Standardized Work for Home Appliances
Stepping away from serious issues, let's talk about things that can really get heated -- like washers and dryers…
A Coffee Machine that’s Mistake Proofed
When I was in Sweden, the one hospital I visited had an automated coffee machine that made a variety of drinks. In…
UPS: Disrespect for People?
by Dan Markovitz
I took this picture of a UPS truck recently in NYC. (The orange signs say "SAFETY.") At first I…
5S the Coffee Pots
It's time for some coffee talk other than Starbucks... afternoon coffee break here.In Philadelphia last week during…
Au Bon Pain is not French for "Stop the Line"
I had an interesting encounter at the Kendall Square Au Bon Pain yesterday morning. Not a bad customer…
Lean Out Your Communications, the Next Lean Frontier
Mark's note: I'm happy to introduce a new guest blogger, Liz Guthridge. She is very active on Twitter and does a…
Jerry Jones is NOT a Lean Thinker, Apparently?
Giant video board in new Cowboys stadium causes problems for Titans punter - The Huddle - USATODAY.com
Are you…
Defining "Value" at a Jazz Club
A little weekend lightness... serious stuff to come this week...When I was in the UK last month, I was able to…
My Daily Workaround: Deleting Commercial Emails
I had an epiphany the other day. It was one of those moments where I was pretty ashamed and was ready to turn in my…
Sunday Brunch Thoughts
So it's Sunday morning, I have a cup of coffee at the ready... nice quiet, peaceful, sunny Sunday morning (you can…
Open Letter to Todd English, Restaurateur
Dear Todd:
My wife and I are both big fans of your The Olives Table cookbook, your television shows, and your…