Good news for healthcare is that significant and proven innovations are available to eliminate waste and improve institutional function through the use of Lean and Six Sigma. It is the application of Lean – Six Sigma practices such as 5S, value stream mapping, pitch, standard work, mistake proofing, Voice of the Customer, etc. applied to non-patient and patient processes that will reduce waste and variation, improve the quality of care, and help improve the bottom-line.

  • By: Todd Sperl, Rob Ptacek, Jayant Trewn (PhD)
    NOTE:  This book in on backorder.  Orders placed today will ship Monday, September 4th, 2023.  We will upgrade the shipping at no additional cost. This book bridges the gap between a highly quantitative analysis of a process that requires extensive training (i.e., Six Sigma certification) and a more simplified approach that can be used and understood by the masses (i.e., Lean thinking). The goal of this book is to make the methods and tools of Lean and Six Sigma accessible to more people and provide a common sense or “practical” approach to problem solving and continuous improvement.  This book is intended to be used by Sigma Belt Levels, Lean Senseis (i.e., teachers), Continuous Improvement Specialists, front-line managers, and supervisors of departments and work groups, and improvement team members in their efforts to improve the patient care experience while reducing waste and variation in all types of healthcare processes. The Lean Six Sigma tools and concepts are presented relative to the A3 road map to provide a definitive how-to guide to problem solving and continuous improvement (Kaizen) initiatives.
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    By: Todd Sperl, Rob Ptacek, Jayant Trewn (PhD) This book bridges the gap between a highly quantitative analysis of a process that requires extensive training (i.e., Six Sigma certification) and a more simplified approach that can be used and understood by the masses (i.e., Lean thinking). The goal of this book is to make the methods and tools of Lean and Six Sigma accessible to more people and provide a common sense or “practical” approach to problem solving and continuous improvement. This book is intended to be used by Sigma Belt Levels, Lean Senseis (i.e., teachers), Continuous Improvement Specialists, front-line managers, and supervisors of departments and work groups, and improvement team members in their efforts to improve the patient care experience while reducing waste and variation in all types of healthcare processes. The Lean Six Sigma tools and concepts are presented relative to the A3 Report to provide a definitive how-to guide to problem solving and continuous improvement (Kaizen) initiatives.
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    By: Todd Sperl Activity Doesn’t Mean Achievement: Identifying Waste in Healthcare provides a practical approach to educate and communicate to healthcare staff on the various types of wastes that may exist in their processes as well as provide guidance in possible ways to eliminate those wastes.  Subsequently, individuals and teams can work to eliminate those specific wastes through Kaizen or Rapid Improvement Events.  The purpose of this book is to provide:
    1. A standard communication platform for defining the 12 wastes for an individual as well as a team
    2. EXAMPLES of healthcare waste that may “trigger” ideas of wasteful processes in your facility
    3. Questions to help DETECT wastes in current processes
    4. Suggestions of Lean and Six Sigma methods to ELIMINATE wastes
    5.  Innovative ways to conduct a Waste Walk
    6.  An example of a Waste Audit and Waste Walk
    7. Space in the book to document current wasteful processes as well as ideas for eliminating those wastes
    8. Definitions for the basic Lean and Six Sigma tools
    9. A case study on how one facility used the simple concept of waste to engage staff in their Lean journey
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    By: Debra Hadfield (RN, MSN), Shelagh Holmes (RN), Sue Kozlowski, Todd Sperl, and Don Tapping The New Healthcare Pocket Guide XL is a collection of input from healthcare professionals and Lean Sensei. It provides easy-to-use and easy-to-understand tools, methods, and concepts based on the world-class Toyota Motor Company (i.e., Lean). The New Lean Healthcare Pocket Guide XL in this larger format is design for use as a quick and easy reference as you learn and implement Lean tools. The tools of 5S, continuous flow, cycle time, document tagging, error proofing, goals and outcomes, Just-In-Time, takt time, standard work, pitch, plus all the other Lean tools are thoroughly explained. This "newer" version includes additional case studies, actual photos, an index, as well as compliments the Value Stream Management for Lean Healthcare book. This book will assist any healthcare facility in the enabling them into a Lean environment where the focus is on both driving strategic change and meeting operational goals.
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    By: Debra Hadfield (RN MSN), Shelagh Holmes (RN), Sue Kozlowski, Todd Sperl, and Don Tapping
    The New Healthcare Pocket Guide is a collection of input from healthcare professionals and Lean Sensei.  It provides easy-to-use and easy-to-understand tools, methods, and concepts based on the world-class Toyota Motor Company (i.e., Lean).  The New Lean Healthcare Pocket Guide is design for use as a quick and easy reference as you learn and implement Lean tools.  The tools of 5S, continuous flow, cycle time, document tagging, error proofing, goals and outcomes, Just-In-Time, takt time, standard work, pitch, plus all the other Lean tools are thoroughly explained.  This “newer” version includes additional case studies, actual photos, an index, as well as compliments the Value Stream Management for Lean Healthcare book.  This book will assist any healthcare facility in the enabling them into a Lean environment where the focus is on both driving strategic change and meeting operational goals.
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    By: Don Tapping, Sue Kozlowski, Laura Archbold, and Todd SperlValue Stream Management (VSM) is a proven and effective step-by-step methodology for understanding and applying the principles and practices of the Toyota Production System (i.e., Lean) within a healthcare organization. As authors, we have found continued success in applying the Value Stream Management methodology in the hospitals, clinics, and labs. You will be introduced to many of these successes throughout the book as topical anecdotes. The specific tools and practices of Lean and the implementation plan via the Value Stream Management process will be thoroughly explained.
  • By: Debra Hadfield (RN, BSN, MSN), Shelagh Holmes (RN), Tom Fabrizio, Roger Kremer, and Don Tapping
    Note:   A Dropbox file link will be provided after purchase and the PDF can be used throughout your organization at no additional charge! This book is the first in the industry to offer real solutions and practical advice for improving patient and non-patient care processes, as well as reducing costs. Included in the book are over 20 forms, worksheets, and guidelines for you to use as a workbook as you implement your 5S portion of a Lean or Six Sigma project. Key learning features of this workbook include: 40+ digital photos demonstrating Lean and 5S projects, identification of who should be doing what part of the 5S activity, detailed procedures ensuring each 5S step is done thoroughly, started tips providing valuable insight from Lean Sensei, and quotes from various leaders throughout the world.
  • By: Rob Ptacek and Jaideep Motwani (Ph.D.)
    Today’s Lean! Learning About and Identifying Waste is the first book from the Today’s Lean! series published by MCS Media, Inc.  It has been suggested by you, our readers, that you would like Lean and Six Sigma information to be more succinct and at your fingertips, thus allowing for a single tool or concept to be easily accessible (i.e., as a pocket guide and not a manual).  Therefore, the Today’s Lean! series of books provide:
    1. Concise content on one main Lean or Six Sigma tool or concept
    2. Numerous case studies, worksheets, and examples from all types of industries
    3. Availability as a pocket guide or ebook
    4. A standard format
    5. An avenue to update content immediately via your feedback and input (via ebook updates)
    6. An inspiration for you to implement something similar
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    By: Rob Ptacek and Jaideep Motwani (Ph.D.)
    Note:  Currently out of stock for hard copy.   We Print-On-Demand for this title of quantities of 50 or more.  Please call 734-475-4301 to place your order.

    Your eBook will be provided as a downloadable file.

    The downloadable PDF book provided is to be distributed to the quantity purchased. Unauthorized copying or sharing is not permitted. Please email info@theleanstore.com or call 734-475-4301 if you have any questions on the ebook(s) purchase.  EG.,  purchasing 5 copies of a book will allow you to distribute the PDF to 5 users.
    Today’s Lean! Using 5S to Organize and Standardize Areas and Files is another book from the Today’s Lean! series published by MCS Media, Inc.  It has been suggested by you, our readers, that you would like Lean and Six Sigma information to be more succinct and at your fingertips, thus allowing for a single tool or concept to be easily accessible (i.e., as a pocket guide and not a manual).  Therefore, the Today’s Lean! series of books provide:
    1. Concise content on a one main Lean or Six Sigma tool or concept
    2. Numerous case studies, worksheets, and examples from all types of industries
    3. Availability as a pocket guide or ebook
    4. A standard format
    5. An avenue to update content immediately via your feedback and input (via ebook updates)
    6. An inspiration for you to implement something similar
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    By: Rob Ptacek and Jaideep Motwani (Ph.D)
    Note:  Currently out of stock.  Orders placed today will ship within 2 weeks! Pursuing Perfect Service is a comprehensive and detailed set of instructions on how to implement Lean and Six Sigma tools and concepts in a variety of environments. It will provide the solid foundation upon which Lean Sigma tools can be applied in any service organization. Service providers are continually processing daily requests and must know how to identify client needs and expectations, how to best satisfy their needs, and how to do it at the lowest possible cost. This book is a step-by-step implementation guide for continuous improvement while creating a solid foundation upon which to build a service excellence culture. Pursuing Perfect Service also provides insights and examples on how Information Technology can be used to improve data and information flow to enhance the overall client experience, while ensuring organizational profitability.
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    By: Don Tapping, Anne Dunn, Doug Fertuck, and Vlado Baban

    Note:  Currently out of stock for hard copy.   We Print-On-Demand for this title of quantities of 20 or more.  Please call 734-475-4301 to place your order.

    Your ebook will be provided as a downloadable file.

    The downloadable PDF book provided is to be distributed to the quantity purchased. Unauthorized copying or sharing is not permitted. Please email info@theleanstore.com or call 734-475-4301 if you have any questions on the ebook(s) purchase.  EG., purchasing 5 copies of a book will allow you to distribute the PDF to 5 users.
    Lean Office Demystified II is simple to understand and provides easy-to-do steps explaining how Lean can be applied in various administrative settings. The tools of takt time, pitch, leveling, standard work, mistake proofing, value stream mapping, etc. are all explained with examples that anyone can relate to. The book provides three main steps into applying Lean in any type office environment.This new version also reveals the secrets on how Lean can be leveraged with MS Office (and other applications) to move information where it is needed, when it is needed, in error-free ways never dreamed of - at the speed of sight. Learn how MS Excel, Word, Access, Grove, and Visio, as well as ACT!, Windows Explorer, and Google Docs can be used in applying Lean tools and concepts. This is all conveyed through the Global Winds case study that is included at the end of each chapter.This easy-to-use book includes everything you need for success - readiness guides, worksheets, forms, screen shots, application examples, etc. Lean Office Demystified II goes beyond theory to explain how all this works in the actual business case study of Global Winds. Lean Office Demystified II will boost office performance, reduce costs, and increase customer satisfaction, while at the same time create stress-free work place.
  • By: Jayant Twewn (PhD), Todd Sperl, Rob Ptacek, and Deborah Salimi (PhD)
    We are pleased to present Kaizen Demystified, perfectly timed for today s ever-changing and ever-demanding business environment requiring improved processes. Whether your industry is manufacturing, healthcare, financial, education, armed forces, services, government, or the construction industry, or, you are a manager, supervisor, team leader, or a front-line worker, this book will provide new insights and ideas for managing and facilitating continuous improvement and problem solving projects (i.e., Kaizen Events). Kaizen Demystified provides a simple and practical approach detailing five distinct methods on how Lean (and Six Sigma) tools and concepts can quickly and efficiently be applied and managed to solve business problems and improve processes. The five types of Kaizen Events detailed in this book are the: (1) Standard 5 Day Kaizen Event, also referred to as a Kaizen Blitz or Rapid Improvement Event, (2) Rolling Kaizen Event, (3) Web Based Kaizen Event, (4) Today's Kaizen Event, and (5) Wiki (or Quick) Kaizen Event. Each type will be thoroughly explained to demystify what it may mean for you. Kaizen Event Leadership is thoroughly explored in a separate chapter/section that relates to all types of Kaizen Events. It provides a listing of the common issues facing the leader of a Kaizen Event as well as suggested how-to leadership skills to address those issues. This is one of the most important aspects of leading any type of Kaizen Event.
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    The 5S for the Office User's Guide provides an organization with the forms, worksheets, and checklists necessary to ensure a 5S project is well-planned from the start - as well as ensuring the program is sustained over time. This how-to guide should be used as it is titled - as a "Guide". The information contained in this workbook should supplement, support, and enhance, etc. current materials that an organization may currently be using. Throughout The 5S for the Office User’s Guide there will be various quotations, performance points, references to PC file storage (the IT case study in the appendix) etc. to further invoke the overall need to do 5S in all types of administrative settings.  As organizations automate more administrative functions (i.e., becoming more paperless) then there must exist that same type of organization and standardization for a physical file system as well as the computer file system.  It is the focus of this User’s Guide to have the 5S principles apply to both the physical desktop (paperwork, desk layout, drawer organization, etc.) and the PC desktop (folders, files, emails, shortcuts, etc.). No workbook or guide can take the place of a person’s enthusiasm and passion to improve.  However, what this guide can do is provide a good, solid foundation on what is required to effectively implement 5S in administrative settings while also spearheading efforts to bring those principles to the PC.
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    By: Vlado Baban
    The 5S Desktop (PC) Pocket Handbook is a step-by-step guide for the implementation of 5S to all your electronic files. The XP version of Windows Explorer and the Office 2003 software suite were the versions used in creating this handbook. This handbook is designed to be:
    1. An implementation guide. This handbook steps you through each phase of the 5S process. Examples are shown to assist you in this process. No two file systems (Desktops) are the same; therefore, use the examples as a guide when you apply that phase or step to your Desktop.
    2. A Lean beginning. 5S is a fundamental Lean tool and is considered the foundation for additional Lean tool application. Once 5S has been implemented and results have been obtained, there will be a need to integrate more Lean tools into your Desktop environment.
    3. A spark for the department. Once everyone understands the basic premise of Lean and 5S, then that understanding can serve as a catalyst for a more comprehensive application of Lean tools. (iLean and Lean Office Demystified II are available books on how additional Lean tools can be applied to your Desktop environment.)
    4. A bridge for improved performance. It is often stated that the average person at work today has nearly 80 emails to deal with on a daily basis. This, along with the other application files, can at times be overwhelming for the individual. Using 5S for organizing your emails, as well as the other application files, will greatly assist in managing this barrage of information. Implementing 5S to your files and folders will allow for a more stress-free workplace.
  • By:  Rob Ptacek, Mark Coats, Col. (Retired, US Army), Todd PtacekToday's Lean Leader is designed for use as a quick and convenient reference, or as a training guide to improve your effectiveness in leading, supervising, and coaching employees. It provides valuable insight into the How To's of leadership and supervision. Today's Lean Leader can be used in a variety of ways, some of which are: (1)The guide is valuable for the new or veteran leader - supervisor (2) Remarkably, the guide in the hands of the workforce makes the task of leading and supervising all the easier when everyone is on the same page on these basic principles.
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    By: Vlado Baban, Joe Buys, and Don Tapping
    iLean's content will provide actual case studies, application examples, and working macros that have proven successful in improving information flow in all types of environments. iLean was arranged in a format that should provide you with enough detailed guidance (step-by-step instructions) to apply a similar-type Lean practice to your work process. Starting with Chapter 3, each chapter begins with a section titled Is this you? which was specifically designed to assist you in determining if that chapter has immediate relevancy to your current work challenges. Subsequently, it is suggested that a formal standard improvement methodology, Six Sigma's Design-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control (D-M-A-I-C), Edward Deming's Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) or some other similar methodology be used if a formal structure is required and/or more statistical analysis needs is required. However, many of the concepts and tools presented throughout this book can be implemented by an individual worker and, therefore, will not require a formal process (other than good project management skills). Microsoft s Office suite of products of Word, Excel, and Outlook, as well as Open Source applications of vTiger, Google Docs, and Huddle, are referenced throughout this book to provide an overall understanding of how Lean can be used to move information faster and more accurately than ever before. In doing so, you will be able to reduce inter-office dependencies, delays, and errors that may be present in your current business processes.
  • First of its kind! The Simply Lean Pocket Guide is the integration of Lean and the PDCA methodology. The interactive Tinker Town case study allows you to take problem solving with a Lean twist to your next performance level. The most basic premise of Lean is to simply and effectively problem solve.   The Simply Lean Pocket Guide is a step-by-step approach to the implementation of process improvements using the PDCA model along with a Lean twist.  If you are just beginning to adopt Lean or Six Sigma as a business improvement model, whether you are in the healthcare, financial services, construction, armed services, manufacturing, government, logistics, service, or construction industry, the first thing that should be acknowledged is that the solution to the problem (or improvement target that is to be reached) will be found in the intellect of the people who are working the process.  Therefore, as a trainer, consultant (internal or external), or departmental head, the focus to improve a situation would be to “somehow” work with that group (and their intellect) and find a solution.  However, that “somehow” is not always easy to attain and will require some guidance along the way.
  • First of its kind! The Simply Lean Pocket Guide is the integration of Lean and the PDCA methodology. The interactive Tinker Town case study allows you to take problem solving with a Lean twist to your next performance level. The most basic premise of Lean is to simply and effectively problem solve.   The Simply Lean Pocket Guide is a step-by-step approach to the implementation of process improvements using the PDCA model along with a Lean twist.  If you are just beginning to adopt Lean or Six Sigma as a business improvement model, whether you are in the healthcare, financial services, construction, armed services, manufacturing, government, logistics, service, or construction industry, the first thing that should be acknowledged is that the solution to the problem (or improvement target that is to be reached) will be found in the intellect of the people who are working the process.  Therefore, as a trainer, consultant (internal or external), or departmental head, the focus to improve a situation would be to “somehow” work with that group (and their intellect) and find a solution.  However, that “somehow” is not always easy to attain and will require some guidance along the way.  Simply Lean will provide that guidance ensuring root causes and wastes are eliminated in creating a Leaner, problem-free process.
  • The Lean Pocket Handbook for Kaizen Events is your personal (i.e., individual) Lean planner for the 21st century. We have found individuals that use this pocket handbook feel more part of the Kaizen team. They also continue to contribute improvement ideas well past the formal team Kaizen Event. That is what Lean is all about - making those small, incremental, improvements daily (i.e., hour-by-hour and minute-by-minute) by those closest to the process.
    This handbook is designed to be:
    1. A quick-reference guide.  Lean tools are explained in more detail in other manuals or by your facilitator during the instruction portion of the workshop.
    2. Your individual (i.e., personal) log. When working outside the formal training class, notes and ideas about the area or process that are being analyzed can be easily written down in this handbook (serving as your personal log) so as not to lose valuable process information.
    3. Your personal Kaizen planner. Kaizen Events will require that individual tasks be assigned to team members to be completed prior to the next meeting.  Many of these tasks will need to be scheduled within the individual’s current work day. This handbook will thus serve as your “planner” to assure these tasks are adequately planned and completed on time.
    4. A tool to self-initiate Idea Kaizens.  An Idea Kaizen is an individual that implements an improvement with little or no assistance or resource required.  This is similar to a Suggestion Program submission; however, the individual with the Idea Kaizen would be responsible for immediate implementation of the idea.
    5. A learning tool.  Each tool will have illustrations to graphically represent the essence of each tool. This will allow you to better understand and learn about each tool prior to using them in your Kaizen Event.
  • By: Todd Sperl, Rob Ptacek, Jayant Trewn (PhD)The A3 Pocket Handbook for Kaizen Events allows team members to be literally and figuratively on the same page when participating in an improvement event.  This allows more ownership, while at the same time preserving organizational knowledge.  The improvement methodology used (i.e., Six Sigma D-M-A-I-C, PDCA, etc.) will relate to the A3 Report that is conveyed in this publication.  (The A3 Report is designed to help you “tell the story” in a logical and visual way and act as a road map for continuous improvement and problem solving initiatives.) The purpose of this pocket handbook is to:
    1. Ensure all team members have a quick reference for Lean Six Sigma definitions.
    2. Compliment, as a mini-workbook, the Practical Lean Six Sigma for Healthcare and The Lean Six Sigma Pocket Guide XL books as well as any other training materials used in an improvement event.
    3. Provide a road map for continuous improvement projects if no other methodology (i.e., PDCA, D-M-A-I-C, etc.) is used.
    4. Provide Lean Thinking Statement assessments at the end of each section for employees to “think” Lean and continue their engagement.
    5. Be a repository of thoughts, ideas, and any action items that may be assigned, etc.
    6. To retain organizational knowledge by being a personal detailed log of the Kaizen Event to be shared and/or referenced later.
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    By: Joe Buys, Vlado Babon, and Don Tapping
    The 5S Desktop (PC) Training Set allows you to apply the Lean tool of 5S to your electronic files and folders using Windows Explorer and Outlook. The Training Set is based off the best-selling The 5S Desktop (PC) Pocket Handbook with references throughout on the Note Pages of the Facilitator's Guide. You will learn the step-by-step procedures for organizing and standardizing all your electronic files through the Greybeck, Inc. case study. Also, through the 5S phases, flags, filters, and reminders will be discussed to ensure your emails are better organized and handled. 5S is a powerful tool to begin to improve office productivity in regards to data and information flow.
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    By: Rob Ptacek and Jaideep  Motwani (Ph.D.)
    The Lean Six Sigma Training Set is your complete set of materials for conducting training on the tools and concepts of Lean and Six Sigma.  With over 300+ PowerPoint slides, each tool is thoroughly explained with examples from a wide range of industries as well as administrative and desktop processes. Use this Training Set to customize and add/remove examples and photos as you deem appropriate.  No training program that is purchased can be exactly what you want, therefore, it is expected this set be customized. Included in this Training Set are the following items: - 1 - Facilitator’s Guide that has the detailed Instructor Notes referencing The Lean Six Sigma Pocket Guide XL and Pursuing Perfect Service books - 1 - CD that contains the PowerPoint presentation, simulation, Jeopardy Game, and exercises
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    The Simply Lean Training Set is your 21st century solution to conveying the PLAN-DO-CHECK-ACT (PDCA) methodology with a Lean focus.  This set is based on over 30 years of problem solving and Lean implementation. The Set allows an organization to teach the topics contained in The Simply Pocket Guide with numerous interactive case studies that allow the participants to practice using basic problem solving tools.  The Set also conveys the most basic aspects of Lean through examples and digital photos. In this training set you will learn how to:
    1. Use quality improvement tools through case study examples and activities
    2. Integrate Lean into any problem solving or Six Sigma project
    3. Conduct Kaizen Events
    4. Summarize the teachings through a Simply Lean Jeopardy game
    5. Conduct a simulation that conveys Lean and problem solving solutions
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    By: Todd Sperl, Rob Ptacek, Jayant Trewn (PhD)
    The Practical Lean Six Sigma for Healthcare Training Set is a comprehensive 16-hour training program to educate all types of employees in hospitals, clinics, and physician group practices with a down-to-earth approach how Lean and Six Sigma tools and concepts improve clinical and non-clinical processes in terms of patient care and quality, cost, and speed in which services are delivered. References will be made in the Notes section throughout this Training Set guiding you to the appropriate page in the Practical Lean Six Sigma for Healthcare book. The book should be provided to all participants as a key reference for the information conveyed throughout the training session.

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