Material Handling Principles – 10 Steps to Create Effective Working Conditions

Original publication date: August 13th, 2017 Updated: February 7th, 2024 Material handling encompasses various processes involved in the movement, control, protection, and storage of materials throughout manufacturing. In the realm of lean manufacturing, material handling is recognized as a non-value added activity and a significant source of waste that should be minimized or eliminated. To […]

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An Inside Look at ISO Certification in the Manufacturing Industry: Interview with Kimberly Cunningham

ISO Certification

When there’s a multitude of choices for suppliers to pick from, how do you stand apart from the competition? One industry signifier is an ISO Certification which acts as a benchmark for companies, demonstrating their commitment to maintaining high standards and continually improving their processes. To discuss these challenges, and more, we sat down with […]

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Safety – The Vital Addition to the 6S Lean Process

For our sixth and final installment of the 6S series, we will be discussing Safety. Safety, the newest addition to the 6S Lean process, holds a pivotal position at the core of the entire methodology. This step emphasizes the identification and mitigation of hazards in the workplace, ensuring the well-being of employees and promoting a […]

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The 6S Lean Process: Sustain (Shitsuke)- Nurturing Good Habits and Continuous Improvement

In our fifth installment of our 6S series, we will be diving into Sustain. Sustain (Shitsuke), one of the final steps in the 6S Lean process, focuses on following established routines and building good habits within an organization. While primarily psychological, Sustain can be reinforced through regular monitoring, evaluation, and training. Sustain is all about […]

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The 6S Lean Process: Standardize (Seiketsu)- Establishing Routines and Setting Expectations

Welcome to the fourth installment of our 6S series. Standardize (Seiketsu), the fourth step in the 6S Lean process, plays a crucial role in maintaining the progress achieved through the first three stages. By combining the results of Sort, Set in Order, and Shine; Standardize focuses on developing routines, reinforcing them, and establishing clear expectations […]

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The 6S Lean Process: Shine (Seiso) – Enhancing Workplace Appearance and Safety

There is always room for improvement when it comes to maximizing your company’s efficiency. The 6S Lean process is a systematic approach to workplace organization and optimization. Welcome to the third installment of our 6S series, where we will discuss the third step of the 6S Lean process, Shine (Seiso). Shine focuses on cleanliness, regular […]

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Enhancing Efficiency with the 6S Lean Process: Set in Order (Seiton)

Efficiency and productivity are key elements for any organization striving to thrive in today’s competitive landscape. This is why many turn to the 6S Lean process, which offers a systematic approach to achieve workplace optimization. Welcome to part two of our 6S series, where we will delve into the second step of the 6S Lean […]

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