• By: Don Tapping
    The New Lean Pocket Guide has over 120 illustrations to visually convey the tools and concepts, along with detailed descriptions of all the Lean tools. This newer version of the best selling The Lean Pocket Guide also includes: a section on Lean Office and Six Sigma, 20+ digital photos demonstrating Lean in action, a Waste Audit, and a Glossary of Lean terms. The tools of 5S, value stream mapping, document tagging, continuous flow, standard work, visual control, takt time, pitch, runners, waste, plus numerous other Lean tools are thoroughly defined as well as guidelines provided for the implementation of each tool. This version has digital photos of Lean production best practices throughout!
  • Sale!

    The Practical Lean Six Sigma Pocket Guide XL – eBook

    Original price was: $17.95.Current price is: $7.95.
    By: Rob Ptacek, Todd Sperl, Jayant Trewn (PhD), and Deborah Salimi (PhD)
    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 downloaded file.

    The download 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., if you purchase 5 copies of a book will allow you to distribute the PDF to 5 users.
    The Practical Lean Six Sigma Pocket Guide XL 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).  This book 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. Over 40 of the most common Lean Sigma tools are clearly define with a step-by-step approach, checklists, forms and worksheet examples, as well as case study examples from office/service (administrative), retail, healthcare, financial, travel services, and manufacturing.  The broad examples will allow employees to fully understand the “practicality” and universal application these tools provide.  Therefore, with that information, the ability to apply the tool or concept to their processes will be that much more successful.
  • 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.
  • Sale!

    The New Lean Healthcare Pocket Guide

    Original price was: $7.95.Current price is: $6.95.
    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.
  • By: Don Tapping

    Note:  Discontinued!  If this product is ordered we will substitute the more comprehensive and up-to-date Practical Lean Six Sigma for Offices (value of $12.95 and is the larger 5" x 8.5" format for easier reading) for the same price for a limited time only. (If quantities over 100 are needed, we can Print-on-Demand, and please email info@theleanstore.com for pricing and availability.)
    The New and Improved Lean Office Pocket Guide has over 120 illustrations to visually convey the tools and concepts, along with detailed descriptions of all the Lean tools. This newer version of the best selling The Lean Office Pocket Guide also includes: 10 sections that include examples of Lean for electronic files and folders, a Waste Audit, and a Glossary of Lean terms.  The tools of 5S, value stream mapping, document tagging, continuous flow, standard work, visual control, takt time, pitch, runners, waste, plus numerous other Lean tools are thoroughly defined as well as guidelines provided for the implementation of each tool.  This version has digital photos of Lean office best practices throughout!
  • Sale!

    Practical Lean Six Sigma for Offices

    Original price was: $15.95.Current price is: $12.95.
    By: Rob Ptacek, Todd Sperl, 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 all types of administrative processes while reducing waste and variations, and engaging employees.  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.
  • By: Don Tapping
    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.
    The most comprehensive and practical explanation of Lean concepts and tools made for the shop floor is now available in a larger format. The New Lean Pocket Guide XL has over 120 illustrations to visually convey the tools and concepts, along with detailed descriptions of all the Lean tools. This newer and larger version of the best selling The Lean Pocket Guide also includes: a section on Lean Office and Six Sigma, 20+ digital photos demonstrating Lean in action, a Waste Audit, and a Glossary of Lean terms. The tools of 5S, value stream mapping, document tagging, continuous flow, standard work, visual control, takt time, pitch, runners, waste, plus numerous other Lean tools are thoroughly defined as well as guidelines provided for the implementation of each tool. This version has digital photos of Lean production best practices throughout!
  • 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.
  • By: Rob Ptacek, Todd Sperl, and Jayant Trewn (PhD) The Practical Lean Six Sigma Pocket Guide is designed as a convenient, quick reference, and, most importantly, a step-by-step implementation guide. You can put your finger on any tool within a matter of seconds! Find the right tool for the right initiative by using the: - Navigate the Prepare - Define - Measure - Analyze - Improve - Control right side book tabs. - Complete the A3 Project Report as you learn and apply the various tools on the project by:
    1. Go to the tab in the book that corresponds to the D-M-A-I-C Phase you are working on.
    2. Read about the tools for that phase of your project.
    3. Apply the appropriate tools.
    4. Complete the relevant section of the A3 Project Report.
    5. Repeat 1 - 4 as you navigate through the phases and complete your project.
    - Use the Case Study Example Look-Ahead and Tool Grid Matrix to direct you to specific pages with examples or case studies. - Use the Index for quick access to a specific topic or tool.
  • Sale!

    The New Lean Healthcare Pocket Guide XL

    Original price was: $12.95.Current price is: $10.95.
    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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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: 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
  • Sale!

    The New Lean Pocket Guide – Spanish Edition

    Original price was: $9.95.Current price is: $8.95.
    By: Luz Blanco Palma The New Lean Pocket Guide (en Espanól) La Nueva Lean de Bolsillo (Produccion Lean) Refuerze la transformación hacia los procesos esbeltos con La Nueva Guía de Bolsillo (Lean Producción).  Este manual ha sido desarrollado tanto para directivos como para empleados, gráficamente explícito, sirve de referencia rápida sobre los procesos de manufacturación esbelta y está optimizado para reducir costos, optimizar la calidad, entregar los productos a tiempo y proveerlo con los conocimientos necesarios para seguir siendo ¡globalmente competitivo en el siglo 21!  Esta guía está diseñada para usarla como referencia conveniente y rápida mientras se aprende a implementar la manufactura, tecnología y herramientas esbeltas.  Este manual provee de una valiosa visión de los matices del proceso esbelto o lean.  ¡Se tiene a mano cualquier aspecto del proceso esbelto en segundos!  Y está definitivamente enfocado a las industrias manufactureras.  El objetivo  principal de esta La Nueva Guía de Bolsillo (Producción Lean) es informar sobre cómo las herramientas de procesos esbeltos pueden ser utilizadas para eliminar cargas y trabajo descartable.  Cuanto mejor definido, analizado y resueltos los desperdicios, mejor sera la utilización de estas herramientas en la secuencia apropiada de implementación; por ende mejor será el recorrido del camino hacia la esbeltez globalizada.  Indice de Materias - Matriz de Herramientas para Procesos Esbeltos, 5 Eses, Análisis de la Cantidad de Producto (CP) y del Desperdicios y Cargas Descartables, Existencias Acumuladas y de Reserva, Visual, Flujo Continuo, Heijunka (Nivelación de la Carga de Trabajo), Informes y Comunicaciones Esbeltas, Intercambio Rápido, Jidoka, Justo-A-Tiempo, Kanban (Sistema de Arrastre), Layout Celular: Forma de U, Manejo de Herramientas Perecederas, Manejo del la Cadena de Producción, Mantención del Total Productivo, Mapeo de la Cadena de Producción, Metodología para Resolución de Problemas, Métricas de Procesos Esbeltos, Nivelación de la Línea de Producción, Oficina Esbelta (Lean Office), Organigrama, Origen del Proceso Esbelto, Prueba de Errores, Responsable de la Producción, Retiro Pausado, Secuencia para la Implementación del Proceso Esbelto, Seis Sigma (Six Sigma),Talleres Kaizen, Tiempo Cíclico, Tiempo de Ejecución Taka, Tiempo de Retiro del Producto Empacado, Trabajo Estándar, Auditoría de Desperdicios y de Cargas, Glosario.
  • Sale!

    Today’s Lean! Using 5S to Organize Areas and Files – eBook

    Original price was: $7.95.Current price is: $2.95.
    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
  • Sale!

    The Practical Lean Six Sigma Pocket Guide for Healthcare

    Original price was: $9.95.Current price is: $8.95.
    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.
  • The chart summarizes where specific emerging technologies might be applicable and identifies the chapters from Today's Lean Leader where these technologies are specifically referenced. This is not completely comprehensive as emerging technologies change nearly daily. Leaders must be cognizant of emerging technologies and use them appropriately where they can improve their overall effectiveness, or the effectiveness of the team.
  • 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.
  • Sale!

    Value Stream Management for Lean Healthcare

    Original price was: $35.00.Current price is: $18.50.
    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.
  • Sale!

    Kaizen Demystified Worksheets

    Original price was: $20.00.Current price is: $15.00.
    The Kaizen Demystified Worksheets allow you to customize the tools, concepts, practices, and worksheets demonstrated in the Kaizen Demystified book. These 46 electronic worksheets will allow for an effective and efficient application of engaging people in a Kaizen Event. Delivered as customizable Excel worksheets.
  • Sale!

    The Lean Assessment

    Original price was: $10.00.Current price is: $8.00.
    By: Roger Kremer
    The Lean Assessment was created as a guide to allow the job shop and small manufacturer in their Lean journey. The Lean Assessment will provide a baseline upon which you can improve - and most importantly also provide a reference on what to do. The Lean Assessment has 13 Lean building block categories that are further divided into sub-categories that are scored. The subsequent score will assist you into allocating the appropriate resources in your Lean project. Administrative areas are also referenced in this assessment. The Assessment is self-administering and will allow you to create the necessary visual spider chart to convey the score within the organization.
  • Sale!

    The 5S Desktop (PC) Pocket Handbook

    Original price was: $8.95.Current price is: $5.95.
    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.
  • Sale!

    The Simply Lean Kaizen Worksheets

    Original price was: $10.00.Current price is: $8.00.
    The Simply Lean Kaizen Worksheets allow you to customize the tools, concepts, and practices demonstrated in The Simply Lean Pocket Guide. These 21 electronic worksheets will allow your Kaizen Events to be more effective in communicating the entire process. Delivered as customizable Excel worksheets.
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