The 21st century will have businesses competing like never before. This competition will required more streamlined processes throughout all industries and their associated processes. The businesses that survive will embrace the tools comprised within the Lean Office. Lean Office tools such as 5S, value stream mapping, takt time, pitch, Just-In-Time, continuous flow, standard work, runners, cycle time, data collection, document tagging, kanbans, in-process supermarkets, first in first out, measurements, office layout, office file system, pull systems, visual controls, etc., along with the tools and concepts of Six Sigma, should be used for a comprehensive Lean Sigma approach to continuous improvement.

  • 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!

    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!

    Pursuing Perfect Service

    Original price was: $35.00.Current price is: $28.50.
    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.
  • 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:  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!

    Lean Office Demystified II – eBook

    Original price was: $17.95.Current price is: $7.95.
    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.
  • Sale!

    The Lean Office Pocket Handbook

    Original price was: $7.95.Current price is: $5.95.
    By: Roger Kremer
    The Lean Office Pocket Handbookis a quick-reference guide covering the terms, concepts, benefits and techniques for the application of Lean in administrative areas of all industry types. It is easy to follow, simple in its concepts, and, above all, practical to use. The tools of 5S, continuous flow, office layout, value stream mapping, process mapping, problem solving, kanbanning office supplies, kaizen, plus numerous other Lean tools are defined in terms that relate to the administrative environment.
  • 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.
  • Sale!

    The 5S for the Office User’s Guide

    Original price was: $14.95.Current price is: $12.95.
    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.
  • Sale!

    The Lean Desktop and Networking Pocket Guide XL

    Original price was: $10.95.Current price is: $8.95.
    By: Vlado Baban, Doug Fertuck, Matt Smith, Bob Angeli (P.E.), and Don Tapping

    The Lean Desktop and Networking Pocket Guide XL is designed to be a convenient, quick reference book providing valuable insight into how Lean can be applied to data as it is pulled, analyzed, formatted, and sent through various Desktop and networking applications. The Lean Desktop and Networking Pocket Guide XL details the application of Lean (i.e., the tools and concepts derived from the Toyota Production System), that when leveraged with Microsoft Office and Open Source applications, can assist to better manage data on a daily basis while improving office productivity. Desktop Lean will create a new generation of "power users" and enhance a typical office worker's ability to work individually, as well as collaborate in work group type situations. This "new" power user is a person that readily learns new applications while integrating Lean tools and concepts to eliminate all process waste.
  • 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.
  • 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.
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