4 Common Mistakes in Implementing Lean
Given the growing popularity of lean principles, it’s no surprise that many firms are incorporating lean theories into their process improvement programs. Unfortunately, while lean concepts are simple enough to understand, they can be more challenging to implement in practice.
Building a culture of continuous improvement and gaining management support are essential prerequisites for lean management — but they take time and commitment. That’s one of the reasons why firms opt for professional lean management system services when implementing lean.
Here are some common mistakes that cause lean implementation fails:
1. No Process Improvement Strategy
Implementing a lean management system requires a long-term commitment from the entire organization. Since culture shifts are primarily driven by people, you’ll need to create a thorough roadmap of the process. Assigning clear responsibilities and setting benchmarks is essential for success. Not choosing the right performance indicators (or avoiding them altogether) makes it impossible to implement lean.
2. Lack of Top Management Support
Given that the project will likely take time and require change across all levels of the organization, it’s essential to have top management on board. Organization leaders need to be inspiring and embrace the change that comes with continuous improvement. If your leaders are lackluster about the change, there’s no way you’ll be able to develop the attitude needed for lean implementation.
3. Not Educating Employees
Open communication between managers and their employees is critical for a smooth transition toward lean. Additionally, you’ll need training sessions that help employees understand lean and how they can implement the concept. When employees understand the initiative, they will be more likely to develop a continuous improvement mindset.
4. Conflicting Metrics
Having the right performance metrics will help you understand where you are and what targets you want to achieve. These goals must be in line with the lean philosophy, and employees should be rewarded for their achievements, so lean concepts are further ingrained in the company culture.
To ensure success when you implement a lean quality management system, consult with the experts at Lean ISO Management Systems today. We excel at helping organizations improve operational efficiency by leaning down their quality management systems. Get in touch today to learn more.
