Lean Measurement Techniques

 Understanding the value of  lean measurement is fundamental knowledge that must be developed along a  lean journey. We live and work in a world full of things that can be  sampled and observed. The effective lean practitioner understands that  measuring the performance of the work world through data collection  always gives the most accurate understanding of true current condition.  Measurement allows progress to be tracked and allows results to be  confirmed. Effective, useful lean measurements support continuous  improvement and problem solving. Typically, the challenge in creating  good measurements is understanding what can be measured and how to go  about measuring. The goal of this module is to present lean  practitioners with a tool kit for understanding what to measure, how to  organize the data, how to interpret the data in meaningful ways, and how  to use lean measurements to drive ongoing lean activities. 

Key Point Indicators

 The first section in the lean measurement module focuses on the concept of  ‘Key Point Indicators’ (KPIs). Discussion topics include what these  indicators are, how to develop them, data collection, and how to  visualize the information. KPI analysis delves into some light  discussion of statistical methods in relation to understanding when  problems become significant.  

Rates of Defects and Yield

 This  is a brief section reviewing the lean metrics of yield and defect  rates. The focus is on contrasting the traditional methods of thinking  about yield and defect with the lean concepts approach of understanding  the true big picture.  In a lean manufacturing or production context,  when working with yield and defect rates, data collection drives  continuous improvement.  

MiFLOW Mapping

The final section in the Lean Measurement Module covers a mapping process  known as MiFLOW. This technique is used to capture current condition  status of a value stream (production line, office process, etc.) in  order to understand and identify problems and waste. This type of lean  measurement system is critical to monitor process improvements,  understand the true ideal condition, communicate status to team members,  and help focus kaizen activities.