Lean Management is defined as applying the logic of Continuous Improvement, deploying Cross Functional teams, small groups and/or individual employees to discover, analyze and Eliminate Waste to a process or an organization. Approaches that are used for Lean Management involve providing tools for analyzing process flow and delay times at each activity in a process, centering on the separation of ‘value-added’ from ‘non-value-added’ work with tools to eliminate the root causes of non-value activities and their cost. The tools used for Lean Management include, Lean Application Five Step Process, Visual Management, SIPOC, Value Stream Mapping and Spaghetti Diagram. The Five Step Process identifies values, maps the value stream, creates flow, establishes pull and seeks perfection. Visual Management displays graphical tools to either display information for the benefit of the employees or as a method to control or guide employee processes. Another tool RNR consultants use is called SIPOC which stands for Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs and Customers. Value Stream Mapping analyzes the flow of materials and information required to bring a product or service to a client. The Spaghetti Diagram tool uses a continuous line to trace the path and distance traveled of a particular object or person throughout a process. RNR Consulting approaches Lean Management to improve customer compliance, increase effective utilization of existing staffing, maximize utilization of existing systems and explore potential revenue generation options. The data gathering phase involves interviewing employees, shadowing daily activities of individuals, following Step-by-Step current systems utilization and identifying waste in current processes. Once analysis is complete, recommendations are provided and have resulted in streamlining processes, decreasing number of systems involved, automating processes and reducing administration costs.  

Sample Case Study:

Gwinnett County, Department of Water Resources - Backflow Lean Implementation