History of Toyota Production System – Circa 1995
I was doing some 5S in my storage locker and I found a folder of notes given to me during a "study tour" to the [...]
Developing People at Toyota
On a recent trip to Japan I had the special honour to meet and listen to a presentation by Isao Kato. Isao spent 35 years [...]
Shingo Principle – Create Value for the Customer
Shingo views "value creation" for the customer in a similar way to Lean Thinking. Ultimately, value must be defined through the lens of the customer [...]
Shingo Principle – Assure Quality at the Source
I often feel that back in the '80's we over did quality and it got a bad name when consultants and auditors made compliance overly [...]
Team Engagement Japan Style
During my Japan Lean Experience tour last year, we had the pleasure of being hosted by Aeon Kunawa. Aeon is Greek for "eternity" and this [...]
Postcard from Kyoto
Continuing our trip to Japan last year, Kyoto was one of the highlights in terms of sightseeing. The original ancient capital, Kyoto is the spiritual [...]
5S? More like 3S Actually
With the RWC in Japan still part of of everyday I thought I'd share a 5S story from my trip last year. Omron, focus their [...]
Postcard from Ginza
Whilst we all enjoy our daily fix of the Rugby world cup, I thought I'd share a few details of my recent Japan Tour. I [...]
Shingo Principle – “Respect Every Individual”
What we learn from the Shingo Model, is that Ideal Results Require Ideal Behaviours. OK, very good, but what does this mean, exactly, and can [...]
Postcard from Papamoa
Well, it was a long time coming but I know have two bases of operations. Although I still have a base in Auckland, I now [...]
