11th Apr 2024
Office waste walk 2 – 4 weeks on
Emily, Michael, Sarah, John – discussion series
Over the past 4 weeks, Sarah, Emily, Michael, and John have been hard at work resolving the issues identified during their waste walk. Armed with their commitment to continuous improvement, they have diligently captured all actions in their action management system, not only to track progress but also to provide evidence for ISO audits in the future.
The first step the team took was to raise awareness among their colleagues about the eight wastes and the importance of eliminating them. Through targeted training sessions and informative posters placed around the office, they educated everyone on how to identify and address waste in their daily workflows.
Next, they implemented visual management techniques to streamline processes and reduce waste, boards were set up to visualise work in progress and identify bottlenecks, while workplace organisation principles were applied to organise workspaces and standardise procedures. These visual cues helped employees easily identify areas for improvement and encouraged proactive problem-solving.
In addition to these initiatives, the team prioritised continuous improvement projects aimed at tackling specific wastes. They used their action management system to document each project, outlining the objectives, timelines, and responsible parties. Regular check-ins ensured that progress was tracked and any roadblocks were addressed promptly.
For example, to address waiting waste, the team implemented an
- automated approval system for project requests, reducing delays and improving efficiency.
- streamlined processes to eliminate overprocessing waste, such as transitioning from paper-based reports to digital dashboards, as they were measuring things that just weren’t required by anyone!
- To tackle defects waste, they implemented quality control measures and provided training to improve data entry accuracy.
- By identifying root causes of errors and implementing corrective actions, they were able to minimise rework and improve overall quality.
Throughout the process, documentation was key. Every action recorded, from training sessions to process improvements, was meticulously recorded in the action management system. This not only provided transparency and accountability but also served as valuable evidence for ISO audits, demonstrating the team’s commitment to continuous improvement and adherence to quality standards.
As the four colleagues reflect on their progress, they are proud of the strides they’ve made in resolving the issues identified during their waste walk. By leveraging their action management system and staying true to their commitment to continuous improvement, they have transformed their workplace into a leaner, more efficient environment, ready to withstand the scrutiny of ISO audits and drive further success in the future.
