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The Lean Transformation Framework

What is the Lean Transformation Framework? The Lean Transformation Framework is a proven, systematic approach to resolving problems at every level of the enterprise, from…

eBook

The Birth of Lean: Conversations with the Founders of TPS

Fascinating interviews with the founders of lean. Learn about the origins of the Toyota Production System from the people responsible for its creation. As its pioneers…

by Takahiro Fujimoto and Koichi Shimokawa

Case Study

Massachusetts General Looks to Lean

Northeast Proton Therapy Center uses lean principles to increase capacity to treat life-threatening diseases.

by George Taninecz

Book

The Power of Process - A Story of Innovative Lean Process Development

True Lean process design goes well beyond forcing concepts and slogans, it is purposeful, scientific, and adaptable because every situation starts with a unique current…

by Eric Ethington and Matt Zayko

Book

Mapping to See: Value-Stream Improvement Workshop

Mapping to See: Value-Stream Improvement for the Office and Services is a complete training solution created by some of the most seasoned veterans working in…

by Beau Keyte, Jim Luckman, Kirk Paluska, Guy Parsons, John Shook, Tom Shuker and David Verble

Case Study

Fighting Cancer with Linear Accelerators and Accelerated Processes

A series of cross-functional lean improvement teams in the Radiation Oncology Department at the University of Michigan Health System (UMHS) applied lean principles to processes…

by Chet Marchwinski

Article

Columbus Public Schools Use Process Thinking to Improve Academic Achievement

Principals and staff at Columbus, Ohio, schools created current states and future states of a diagnostic testing process in order to identify students' weaknesses and to improve the processes…

by George Taninecz

Article

More Crisis Control at Boeing and the FAA – Some Lessons on Building in Quality from NUMMI

As Boeing grapples with recurring quality issues, this Design Brief article from John Shook explores how the NUMMI joint venture between Toyota and GM offers…

by John Shook

Article

View from the Hospital Floor: How to Build a Culture of Improvement One Unit at a Time

In this follow-up to our earlier case study "Transforming Healthcare: What Matters Most?", we examine how the Cleveland Clinic is accelerating a lean transformation with…

by David Drickhamer

Case Study

Using Lean Thinking to Reinvent City Government

In many cities, stagnant tax revenues from a slowing economy coupled with rising healthcare and energy costs are causing budget shortfalls. To cope with the…

by David Drickhamer

Article

Follow-up Q&A to the Webinar: On the Mend - Changing a healthcare organizational culture to continuous improvement

The lean healthcare webinar “On the Mend: Changing a healthcare organizational culture to continuous improvement” drew an engaged audience that submitted hundreds of questions, many…

by John Toussaint

eBook

The Work of Management

Jim Lancaster tells an inspiring and practical business story in his new book, The Work of Management. It’s a close-up, candid look at Lancaster’s personal…

by Jim Lancaster

Video

Follow-up Q & A to the Webinar “Getting to Everyday Improvement: How to Connect the Science and Culture of Problem Solving”

A follow-up Q&A with presenters Judy Worth and Beau Keyte for the Lean Enterprise Institute's webinar on Getting to Everyday Improvement.

by Beau Keyte and Judy Worth

Article

Autoliv: Giving Power to the People

A case study looks at how Autoliv developed and sustained a lean-problem solving culture and how this global company shares best practices.

by Doug Bartholomew

Article

A Philanthropic 'Lean Internship' Experiment Yields Unexpected Question About Purpose

To understand what could work in a hands-on, gemba-based lean learning experience, the LEI's JPW Fund did what lean practitioners do — they ran a…

by Patricia Panchak

Case Study

Herman Miller’s Experiment in Excellence

With initial support from the Toyota Supplier Support Center, Herman Miller cultivates experimental thinkers who make process improvements every day. Their work has yielded dramatic…

by David Drickhamer

Article

The Limits of Process Improvement: A Lesson from Kroger, a Major Grocer

A lean transformation at Kroger showed early promise but stalled without daily management and strategic alignment—highlighting the need for strong support systems and cross-functional coordination…

by Josh Howell

Article

Nine Tips to Better Process Development

Achieve exceptional results with your next product launch. Master nine proven techniques for designing successful, waste-free processes.

by Eric Ethington and Matt Zayko

Article

Lean Thinking: A Look Back and a Look Forward

The meaning of lean thinking, how lean got its name, and an example of how it improved a grinding process By LEI President Jim Womack.

by James (Jim) Womack, PhD

Case Study

Lean Thinking Helps City of Chula Vista with Budget Crunch

After laying off 350 employees and still facing a continuing budget shortfall, the City of Chula Vista, CA, faced a seemingly impossible dilemma: how to…

by Doug Bartholomew