Category Archives: Newsletters from 2012

Issue 12 • Oct 2012 Implementing Pull by Steve Newlon A lean system desires that work flow nonstop through the entire value stream (VS).  In every VS, constant flow from one value-added step to the next typically doesn't exist.  This means a hand-off from station to station occurs.  Pull first directs us to examine this handoff.  Establishing a clear method…

Issue 11 • July 2012 Applying Toyota Production System Techniques to Medication Delivery by Terry Newell and Cynthia Seaver; Process Engineers, Spectrum Healthcare Spectrum Health is the largest not-for-profit health care system in West Michigan with nine hospitals, 190 service sites and 1,938 licensed beds system wide. We have the largest children's hospital in West Michigan,…

Issue 10 • May 2012 Niagara Health System Uses Lean Design Techniques in their new Health Care Complex By Claudia Danyluk and Ammarah Shahid, Lean Facilitators, NHS The Niagara Health System (NHS) is Ontario’s largest multi-site hospital amalgamation comprised of seven sites serving 434,000 residents across the Regional Municipality of Niagara. In 2009, the NHS…

Issue 9 • Mar 2012 Lean Training – New Product and Process Introduction Every organization should ensure that the products and services they provide meet the needs of the customer. Depending on the industry, your focus may vary slightly. For example, if you are in the technology business, at least 1/3 of your total sales…

Issue 8 • Jan 2012 Lean Training – Management and Staff Development One of the primary responsibilities of leadership during a cultural transformation is to develop management and staff. Why do the management and staff need to be developed? Likely many habits exist within your organization. These habits show up in actions that occur daily.…