10 Steps to Getting Lean.

Making lean process improvements isn't as difficult as you might think--try using the following ten steps.

1 Choose a process. Thoroughly define the assignment, including the reasons why the process needs to be improved.

2 Set a goal. Know your goal for improving the process, and make it specific and measurable--for example, increasing value by reducing the cost of the process or by increasing the benefit it produces.

3 Get colleagues involved. Resistance to improvement ideas can arise over the course of the improvement process among management or staff. Even the best ideas come up against resistance. To avoid this situation as much as possible, involve colleagues early in the analysis and include them in generating solutions.

4 Draw the current process. A team made up of stakeholders with different perspectives should create a value stream map (or process map) to illustrate the current process

5 Analyze for deficiencies. Using the same team, identify areas of inefficiency, redundancy, conflict, or where problems or frustrations arise.

6 Consider alternatives. Make recommendations on how to avoid problem areas and create a better process. Try to design the ideal process from the customer's point of...