An Office Efficiency Simulation

A Lean Office hands-on exercise

Overview

Office processes are composed of individual tasks. Processes are generally developed over years of time and normally contain steps that are no longer required.

A lean office is an environment where each of theses processes has been evaluated and streamlined for maximum efficiency.

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Many office processes move between departments before the process can be completed.

Another goal of lean office is to eliminate wasted movement by locating the personnel necessary to perform the task together.

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Cross training and adjustments for changing workloads are other key points in a lean office.

When work cells have been designed and properly documented, workers can be moved between work cells based on the daily workload.

Continuous improvement should become a part of the culture within the office workplace so that everyone is always asking, "Is there another way?"

PURPOSE

Participants work in a fictional company where they are introduced to lean practices and experience change to a process as a positive change.

MAIN TEACHING POINTS

  • Visual Controls

  • Cellular Layout

  • Work Balancing (Flexible Workforce)

  • Lead Time Reduction

  • One-piece Flow with a Pull System

  • Elimination of Non-Value-Added Steps

  • Cycle Time

  • Teamwork and Cross Training

SCOPE

The simulation covers the main lean principles through actual implementation in the quotation process as it moves from a traditional process to a lean cellular process.

OTHER LEAN CONCEPTS

  • Traditional Office Layout versus Cellular Design

  • Standardized Approvals

  • Point of Use Storage

  • Independent Cross-Training

DURATION & LOCATION

This is a 3-hour hands-on workshop delivered at the client's premises.

TARGET AUDIENCE

Anyone motivated to desire improvements in his/her office processes.

In this workshop, even though participants may not be able to fully complete a lean project without assistance, it is important to inspire them to go back and begin improvements.