Developing a Lean Workforce: A Guide for Human Resources, Plant Managers and Lean Coordinators »

Transform your HR Department into an Agent of Change during Lean Implementation.

Changing an organization from a mass manufacturing environment to a lean environment is significant and affects all levels of the company if the implementation is done correctly. Many times, however, lean implementers become so involved with the nuts and bolts of lean implementation that the "people" side of the business is neglected.

With an HR perspective, veteran consultants Chris Harris and Rick Harris walk readers through a simple, step-by-step proven method for transforming a mass production workforce into a lean thinking one that possesses the necessary skills, training, and attitude to march in a new direction. They explain the role of human resources in a lean-oriented facility, emphasizing systematic training that continues for all employees. They also discuss the value of promoting employees from within a facility to team leader and group leader positions, and the importance of flexibility. This critically acclaimed book includes sample training sessions with explanations.

"Most of us are now far enough down the path in lean production to realize that the results lie in the details. This short volume presents all of the details you will need to create a frontline workforce and system of direct supervision that can effectively plan, do, reflect, and adjust, as you move your own operations steadily ahead."

—From the Foreword by James Womack, Chairman, Lean Enterprise Institute

Foreword     ix
Introduction     xi
Understanding the Role of Human Resources in a Lean Facility     1
Preparing to Develop a Lean-Thinking Workforce     17
Lean 101     33
Workplace Organization     47
Value Stream Maps     55
Continuous (One-Piece) Flow     63
Lean Materials Delivery Systems     71
Creating a Flexible Workforce     79
Developing Group Leaders (Supervisors)     95
Continually Improving Your Workforce Through New Hires, Promotions, and Ongoing Training     119
Index     131
About the Authors     137