iLean - 21st Century Lean - Today's Improvement Methodologies for Increasing Office Productivity

iLean was written for front-line employees who use their computer, day-in and day-out, as they balance their daily work of retrieving information from their database system and then analyze, format, and communicate that information to the next process via some type of email or work group database collaboration program. This book was also written for departmental managers who must balance the requirements of the department with the various individuals to ensure all processing is completed by their required times. iLean is meant to assist both the front-line employee and the departmental manager for an overall improvement in data and information flow. As we become more paperless, and our reliance on Information Technology (IT) systems increases, this new Lean Desktop (iLean) business improvement model will undoubtedly be a major part of all organizational strategies. iLean has been arranged into sections relating to issues that the Desktop worker may be experiencing. Chapters 3 through 8 are organized in the following way: Is this you? Some real life yeah, that s me statements this chapter will address. This will help guide you to the chapter dealing with your most pressing issues. Overview This will provide a general conceptual overview of the particular tool or concept. Where this tool can be used most effectively This will define conditions that exist in the Desktop environment that may currently struggle with information flow. Benefits this tool will provide in the Desktop environment The reasons why Lean in the Desktop environment will be of value. How this tool can be implemented The detailed steps relative to this tool or concept using Microsoft Office, Outlook, and/or an Open Source application. Application Case Study Actual business related examples on how Lean tools were implemented in solving information and data flow issues. The Chapters are titled: Overview of Lean, Electronic Waste, 5S File and Folder Organization, Data Collection and Presentation, Problem Solving and Data Organization, Workflow and Quality, Productivity, Desktop Kaizen, Today s Workforce, and Appendix. Chapter 6 - Workflow and Quality are comprised of the following Lean tools and concepts: 1. Continuous Flow creating the necessary work standards to ensure minimal or no queue time will reside between processes. 2. In-Process Supermarkets, FIFO Lanes, and Kanbans creating a filing and communication system that contains a certain quantity of work that is pulled by the downstream process when it is required. 3. Visual Management creating a visible link between the daily performance targets and actual real-time achievement of those targets. This information should be easily accessible to all team members in the department work group and the departmental manager. 4. Error Proofing creating the necessary templates, macros, links, etc. that have built-in drop-down data fields that prevent fields from being left blank or prevent incorrect data from being entered prior to sending the information further downstream. Using tools and concepts such as these as they are applied in the Desktop and networking environment are a must for doing business in the 21st century.