I recently attended a 5S audit that takes a much more holistic approach, namely it includes the 7 wastes, TPM wastes, mistake proofing, etc. Upon my return back to the office, I encountered a problem in my own genba. When traveling, I frequently run out of juice for my laptop. It takes me awhile to figure it out, but it is because I plug my chargers in backwards and don't realize it. I think the pictures tell the story:
Here is the receptacle. Notice the small key on the right side of the oval.
Here is the plug. Notice the keyway on the side of the plug.
The designers made a good attempt at mistake proofing this plug, but the key is really small and the material is fairly pliable under force. The result is that you CAN plug it in backwards and not realize you have done it wrong. You won't get power, but it looks correct. A blue light comes on, but not always if the power receptacle in the wall doesn't provide power, which surprisingly happens frequently in hotels and offices. (Breakers turned off for maintenance, or in need of repair for example.) So whether if wrong or right, a lack of blue light doesn't guarantee I've done my part correctly.
I need a visual control to tell me if the standard is met, in order to avoid mistakes or failure. Here is my visual control for this standard:
Job Instruction
“A new concept in the field of industrial training was definitely emerging on a national scale – a concept of training destined to influence the thinking of people in every industry."
Excerpt from, The ‘First Million’ brochure, where the TWI Service made history in receiving the first Industry Award decorating a government agency.
February, 1944
Job Relations
“’Leadership’” has been the subject of an extraordinary amount of dogmatically stated nonsense. Some, it is true, has been communicated by observers who have had no experience themselves in directing the activities of others; but much of it has come from men of ample experience, often of established reputations as leaders.”
The Nature of Leadership,
Chester Barnard, 1940
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3 comments:
Is it possible to get a copy or see an example of the 5S audit you described that included the 7 wastes, mistake proofing, etc.?
That's a great example. I also blogged about a similar connection issue today (coincidence).
LINK
I had that same iGo power adapter. I don't remember ever being able to insert mine backward. I guess I'm not that strong ;-)
Anonymous,
I can't send the audit forms out as they are proprietary and not mine. Sorry. I plan on posting soon though on what I learn, as the focus is WAY beyond simply housekeeping. In a nut shell though, it is how to use 5S to get people involved and a vehicle for teaching lean.
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