The Skinny on Lean

One of the things I like most about my work is how I'm constantly learning. I still have those "Ah! I never knew that!" moments. And I think that's true of everyone out there; you have to keep learning. I mean, it's impossible to know EVERYTHING, right?

For me, my latest "aha!" learning experience was finding out how common it is to customize fenestration and even glass processing equipment. I never knew. Until recently I guess I figured that when Company ABC goes to buy a line from Machinery Company XYZ, they would buy exactly what they see before them. Instead, more often than not, individual companies are changing those lines up to meet their specific production needs. And one of the big reasons for customization is lean manufacturing.

Even in the simplest of ways, I try and apply some kind of "lean thinking" to my own everyday routine. For example, I keep my sneakers with my gym bag in the closet where my coat is. That way when I'm heading out to the gym I don't have to go to three different closets. Instead, everything is in the closet by the door, so I can grab it and be on my way.

In my office, I keep paper right beside my printer so that when I run out it's all right there. Pencils and pens are beside a notepad that's right beside the phone. I'm not saying everything is perfectly neat and organized; I've certainly got my share of clutter. But the more you can do to eliminate waste--anything that keeps you from working efficiently--the better off you'll be.

Over the years I've visited a lot of different glass plants and so many of them do really have a flow to them. Glass comes off one line and it's easily moved on to the next. Whatever form of lean manufacturing they are following, I've yet to speak to anyone who said it hadn't improved their production process.

Tell us about some of your lean tips and ways they've helped make your company more efficient and more productive.