Sometimes adopting lean manufacturing means adding more people to a process. Eric Ethington, a lean product and process development coach, previously worked in the auto supply business. In a pump assembly product line, the typical cell had six operators.

A change management strategy provides direction and purpose for all change management activities.

Which is more important to you: complying with industry and federal regulations, or improving the efficiency and profitability of your operations?

I was recently retaught a lesson that, ironically, I teach for a living. The consulting firm I work in covers not only lean, but also consults and guides clients along with building and improving their quality management systems.