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May 2008

May Forum discussion:

~ Anne and one of the leads led us on a tour of BAE Systems. They have continued to clean, organize and improve flow since the last visit. In addition, Anne explained the process of scheduling (both work and people) and employee/team involvement. BAE has weekly all-employee meetings where teams give updates.

~ Mike shared direction and intent with the forum and the website. He also asked for input on both, as the forum needs to be a community organization, not a dictatorship. Several organizations may benefit from joining the forum. Forum members will open dialogue with other business leaders who may benefit from forum participation. 4-Star Plastics, the Ethanol facilities, Molded Fiber Glass, Prairie Tool, Aberdeen Machine Tool and other organizations were identified as potential members.

~ Mike discussed the June video conference arrangements. There are requests beyond capacity for seating. Mike met with Rachel and Gene at St. Luke's Monday and determined the best seating arrangement. Mike again strongly urged conference participants to purchase books through DakotaMEP.

~ Mike still intends to pursue the possibility of hosting local "Kaizen Events" involving other organizations in the Aberdeen area. The plant G.M. has been out of town since the last forum, so he hasn't had the opportunity to discuss this potential. Several organizations expressed an interest, using Hub City as the test facility. There was discussion on a company "swapping" individuals during the event for more exposure, but Mike believes this would be counterproductive. Each participant would be committed to the event from 7:30am to 5:30pm minimum, Tuesday through Thursday, and 7:30am-10:00am Friday. The goals would be: (1) benefit the host facility when labor and time are at a premium, (2) get outside, or "child's eyes" view of the situation - which often leads to better improvements, (3) share knowledge and experience of the improvement process and Lean techniques with participating organizations, and (4) build a local base of talent for continuous improvement - thus reducing the need for travel expense.

~ Mike shared the results of a Changeover Kaizen Event conducted at RBC's Lincoln, MO facility last week.

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April 2008

April Forum discussion:

~ Currently, we are trying to get available dates from Mr. Bodek for the video conference. We are hoping to get a date in May, which would take place instead of the BAE visit (which may mean rescheduling BAE again...Mike will work with Brad and Sarah on this when we know more.)

~ If you would like to conduct LEGO simulations in your facility, please contact Mike to schedule. It takes 1.0 to 1.5 hours to run (employee time), with .25 hours to set up and .25 hours to tear down (room time).

~ This is your forum, what would you like to do? Training was mentioned. Mike can train on concepts identified by reference material. However, it is not Mike's intention to 'force' training on the group. If you would like training, as host you can utilize that option. You can bring any number of guests to the training, but it requires coordination to make sure there is enough facility room for those attending (training can be done at your location or at an external facility if you need more space). If you would like additional training for your facility, Mike is willing to do additional training beyond the forum (and has done some in the past), but it has to work around his RBC/Hub City schedule. Late in the day is best (3:30-5:30pm), but other options can be arranged.

~ As with any organization, Hub City is constantly looking at ways to reduce costs tactfully and effectively. Currently, RBC sends Mike to other facilities every month to perform this activity, but Hub City has no sister-facilities in the local region (as Wisconsin and Missouri RBC facilities have), which requires additional travel expense for Hub City employees to get exposure. Thus, Mike is entertaining the possibility of hosting local "Kaizen Events" involving other organizations in the Aberdeen area. If there is interest, and Hub City management approves, Mike would like to coordinate activities similar to his RBC format, with organizations participating in the "host" facility Tuesday through Friday. Each participant is committed to the event from 7:30am to 5:30pm minimum, Tuesday through Thursday, and 7:30am-10:00am Friday. The goals would be: (1) benefit the host facility when labor and time are at a premium, (2) get outside, or "child's eyes" view of the situation - which often leads to better improvements, (3) share knowledge and experience of the improvement process and Lean techniques with participating organizations, and (4) build a local base of talent for continuous improvement - thus reducing the need for travel expense. Kaizen Events often focus on: (1) Process Organization [Layout], (2) 5S, (3) Standardized Work, (4) Changeover Reduction, or (5) TPM. If your organization would be interested in this opportunity, please contact Mike as soon as possible. Many details would have to be arranged, so it would take time to coordinate.

~ Mike shared a brief presentation on a Changeover Kaizen Event conducted at RBC's Lebanon, MO facility.

~ Hub City/Mike also has a small number of Lean books available in a Lean Library. If you would like to preview a book before making a purchase decision, please contact Mike.

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