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What are the top automation tools in use today? Automation is one of the hot buzzwords of modern business, but how it is implemented differs from industry to industry. There isn’t necessarily a universal approach to how an organization should use it to gain the best results. That said, some stellar tools can […]

Which industries benefit the most from automation? Automation is a hot topic in business, with many organizations opting to automate something. This is partly understandable, as you can simplify more grueling or tedious tasks by having them handled from the get-go. However, not every industry is suited to automation. Being aware of where […]

What change management models are in constant use today? Change management is one of the vital components needed for enacting lasting, viable change. However, it always helps to have a guideline or framework within which to operate, hence the need for models. That said, there is more than one way to approach change […]

Background A large national producer and distributor of canned instant ground coffee faced a significant challenge with product weight variation on their primary production line. The company’s specifications for fill weight included both an Upper Specification Limit (USL) and a Lower Specification Limit (LSL) to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and customer satisfaction. However, 13% […]

Introduction Lean Six Sigma and Agile are two powerful methodologies widely used to improve processes and deliver value. While they originate from different domains, Lean Six Sigma focuses on reducing waste and improving quality, and Agile emphasizes flexibility and iterative development. Their integration offers organizations a dynamic framework for process improvement. Together, they […]

In today’s business environment, sustainability has become a critical focus for organizations aiming to reduce their environmental footprint while maintaining profitability. One of the most effective frameworks for achieving this balance is Lean Six Sigma (LSS), a methodology rooted in continuous improvement, waste reduction, and efficiency. By integrating Lean Six Sigma principles with […]

Is change management important for digital transformation? We’re present for an interesting time in the business landscape. Many traditional organizations are modernizing, joining with the times as it were. In part this is thanks to the advent of more advanced technological developments. Some companies embrace them as a matter of their foundation, but […]

What are the remote-first companies that made it work? There are plenty of success stories throughout the history of business. However, little has been said about the remote companies that are making a mark on the landscape of business right now. If you’re looking to lead your remote team, some organizations can serve […]

Background In a highly competitive market, a plastic parts company leveraged Lean Six Sigma methodologies, particularly Process Capability Analysis (Cpk and Ppk), to analyze supplier performance and strategically improve their product offering. By selecting the most capable supplier and tightening component specifications, the company not only outperformed competitors but also created value for its customers, […]

What are the best tools for remote teams? You can often skip several of the latest and greatest software tools for in-person positions. However, remote teams have specific technological needs, partly thanks to the distance between employees and the workplace. As such, tools come in handy for managing time, communicating, keeping track of […]

The workplace landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation with the widespread adoption of hybrid work models. This shift, accelerated by the global pandemic, combines remote and in-office work, offering employees flexibility and autonomy while enabling organizations to reduce operational costs. However, this model also presents unique challenges, particularly in communication, collaboration, and process […]

What does the future of remote work hold? The shift to remote work has been rather abrupt. While it seems somewhat gradual in retrospect, the numbers behind it don’t lie. That said, the future seems promising for remote work. While we don’t have access to a crystal ball here, we certainly have no […]

How do you maintain company culture when your entire team is remote? Going hybrid or fully remote doesn’t mean you have to forego maintaining a company culture. Some organizations realize and maintain a vibrant company culture despite the challenges of remote work. It is a matter of simply balancing and planning how to […]

What are the common challenges of remote work? Remote work itself has become a regular part of many offices. However, there are some drawbacks to this hands-off workflow. When remote work started becoming more prevalent at the start of the pandemic, these drawbacks weren’t given much thought. That said, you give anything significant […]

What tools can boost productivity in remote teams? Finding the right workflow for remote teams is paramount to their continued success. As such, planning to use the right tools and developing a solid workflow is a great way to ensure your team stays on track. Finding the right blend can be challenging, but […]

How does an organization build a high-performing remote team? Remote work has become all the rage over the last few years, with organizations without a heavy need for on-site personnel switching to the model. The benefits have been discussed ad nauseam, like the lower rent for many organizations and reduced overhead. However, little […]

How does design thinking apply to cross-functional teams? We’ve spent a fair bit of time here discussing the benefits and reasons why you want to use design thinking in product design. However, little has been said about how it applies to cross-functional teams. Thankfully, this approach benefits from multiple disciplines and specialties collaborating. […]

Background In a bustling corporate office, Sarah, a finance manager at Apex Financial Solutions, was tasked with optimizing the collections process. With a portfolio of clients from various industries, the company’s success relied heavily on its ability to recover overdue payments. Sarah suspected that the effectiveness of the phone scripts used by collections associates varied, […]

Artificial intelligence (AI) has proven to be a transformative force, reshaping industries, enhancing productivity, and opening doors to innovation. While it has brought benefits to many sectors, the rapid evolution of AI also threatens some industries, particularly those reliant on repetitive tasks, manual labor, or human-driven decision-making. A recent article was published on […]

What does design thinking in practice look like? There has been much talk about its power and efficacy. However, when you peruse the many online resources available, the picture is incomplete. We know it’s a human-centered take on product design, but what does that look like in motion? Design thinking in practice isn’t quite what […]

What are the 5 phases of design thinking? Design thinking is a human-centric approach to product development. However, it operates in five distinct phases when broken down into its core elements. As this is an iterative approach, some phases bear repeating, provided the product hasn’t met its design specifications. So, with that in […]

What design thinking tools are companies using to make the most of their work? Design thinking isn’t a new concept, but it has caught in a big way over the last decade. As such, a whole cottage industry of software and other tools has sprung up to accommodate the needs of teams. Good […]

Which companies do design thinking the best? Design thinking is a relatively new approach to the likes of product delivery. While products are often drummed up with the customer in mind, few approaches consider the customer’s needs before even analyzing the problem and developing a solution. That said, some companies are embracing design […]

What industries benefit the most from design thinking? Design thinking is a growing approach to the entire conceptualization and execution of new products to market. However, despite its increasing popularity, it is better suited for certain industries. Now, that isn’t to say your organization should forego implementing design thinking. It all depends on […]

What tools are needed to create business agility? An agile business can adapt and roll with the punches. I don’t mean a momentary setback but events that a business can easily adapt and overcome. In software development, this methodology is known as Agile and is one of the driving forces behind modern development […]

What tools are businesses using for data-driven decisions? There is plenty to be said about the proliferation of data in the workplace. However, one thing is clear: it is here for the long haul. As such, learning how to manipulate this data for your organization’s well-being is simply part and parcel of the […]

Is it easy to build a data-driven culture for your business? Data is a driving force in any modern organization. Even mom-and-pop stores are leaning on what they can glean from the digital revolution. As such, it is more important than ever to take the steps to create a data-driven culture to take […]

Big data vs. small data, which one are you choosing for your business? Data is a big market right now, something that it has held the distinction of for the last decade or more. Data drives business decisions, calls forecasts for future trends, and so much more. As such, it helps to have […]

What’s the best process for conducting an FMEA? If you want to start implementing lasting changes into your production line, FMEA is one of the top ways to get things rolling. However, there is a certain procedure you’ll want to follow to make the most of your efforts. If you’re new to the […]

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as one of the most transformative technologies of the 21st century, reshaping industries, revolutionizing processes, and unlocking unprecedented opportunities. As AI continues to advance, its impact on various sectors becomes increasingly evident. Some industries stand to benefit more significantly than others due to their reliance on data, automation […]

The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries, transforming workflows, and altering the future of work. As AI continues to grow in sophistication and application, organizations must act proactively to prepare their workforce for the opportunities and challenges this revolution presents. Reskilling and upskilling employees isn’t just an operational necessity, it’s a […]

Background The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to businesses, and the food and beverage industry was among the hardest hit. For TasteTown Bistro, a medium-sized restaurant chain known for its casual dining experience, the pandemic decimated customer traffic. As restrictions eased, TasteTown hoped for a strong recovery, but they faced a new challenge: traffic and […]

How can you use FMEA in product development? I’ve talked at length about using FMEA as a means of rectifying problems in production. However, you can apply the methodology to the design process of any product or service you’ve got in the works. It isn’t similar to DMAIC, as DMAIC is generally used […]

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force, enabling companies to innovate, streamline operations, and improve customer experiences. Across industries, forward-thinking businesses are leveraging AI to gain competitive advantages, address complex challenges, and create value. This article explores case studies of companies that have successfully integrated AI into their core operations, highlighting […]

What are the most common mistakes you can make with FMEA? As a framework, FMEA is aimed at creating lasting solutions to potential problems before they even arise. However, that doesn’t mean it’s completely foolproof. As we’ve seen with many of the tools of the trade, there is certainly a right and a […]

How does FMEA work in the real world? We often discuss concepts, methodologies, and frameworks in a vacuum. However, understanding the realistic applications of a useful and quality-driven framework like FMEA pays off in the end. So, with that in mind, let’s look at a few examples of how FMEA is implemented in […]

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing workplaces across the globe. By automating routine tasks, enhancing decision-making, and driving innovation, AI has become an indispensable tool for many businesses. However, as organizations embrace this transformative technology, they encounter significant ethical challenges that require careful consideration and proactive measures. This article explores three key ethical dilemmas […]

What mistakes are common when using Ishikawa diagrams? As one of the easiest tools to use in the Lean Six Sigma toolbox, there is a very real potential for misusing these diagrams. It isn’t necessarily a lack of knowledge that hinders these tools, but other common pitfalls that make them less effective than […]

Background When FreshSense, a mid-sized packaged goods company, decided to launch a new line of healthy snack bars, excitement buzzed through the office. The team knew the market was ripe for innovation, but the challenge lay in determining the perfect combination of attributes for their new product. Color theme, graphics, package size, graphic orientation, price, […]

What are your best resources for making a Fishbone diagram? You might not always have a pen and paper handy, and you might need something more readily presentable for leadership. So, what do you do? You’d likely turn to some of the many popular and powerful software packages available for visualization tools. With […]

Solving a problem in a business context can be extremely daunting at first glance. As a general example, it isn’t quite like looking for where a recipe went wrong. Even the simplest of business processes are complex when taken as a whole. As such, you need the right tools for the job. With […]

In an increasingly competitive world, education systems are evolving to focus not only on academic success but also on empowering students to develop skills for lifelong personal and professional growth. The Harada Method, developed by Takashi Harada, offers a structured framework to help individuals achieve personal excellence by fostering self-reliance, goal-setting, and strategic […]

Goal-setting frameworks have been integral in guiding individuals and organizations to clarity, efficiency, and achievement. Among these, the Harada Method, SMART goals, Objectives and Key Results (OKRs), and Lean Thinking each have unique attributes, target different areas of improvement, and fit varying operational contexts. This article explores the distinctive elements of the Harada […]

In the world of sports, achieving peak performance requires more than just physical training. It demands mental clarity, strategic planning, and a deep commitment to personal growth. The Harada Method, originally developed for business and personal development, has emerged as a powerful tool for athletes striving for excellence. This article explores how the […]

Automation seems like all the rage these days. While it is certainly nothing new, especially for those well-versed in manufacturing, it is making a splash elsewhere. Automation is a useful tool, but it is only part of the proverbial equation regarding day-to-day operations. So, why not dive deeper into the subject and see […]

What are the real advantages of hybrid vs. remote work? There has been quite a bit of talk since the start of the pandemic about the merits of remote work. For many organizations, this is the only way they could exist for any period. However, there has been a push to return to […]

Is your company leveraging design thinking? There are several different approaches to accomplishing a project or delivering a new product. For some organizations, implementing Lean principles and frequent Kaizen events is the way to go. For others, it might require a comprehensive overhaul of their organization to embrace TQM. Design thinking is similar […]

In the heart of downtown, Apex Bank was known for its strong community ties and financial stability, but not necessarily for its swift decision-making. The executive team meetings were notorious for being long, unproductive, and often marked by clashes between personalities. The CEO, Maria, saw that the inability to make decisions efficiently was affecting the […]

Background MegaPharma (fictitious name), a global pharmaceutical company, sought to optimize its promotional strategies to increase access to healthcare providers for one blockbuster drug. Sales representatives used several approaches to gain appointments and engagement with physicians, including free lunches, educational materials, promotional items like branded pens, and remote communication tools such as Zoom. While all […]

FMEA is one of the most powerful approaches to safeguarding your projects from failures and defects. It isn’t a cakewalk to implement, but in the right hands, it can make projects run without a hitch. As you’re already used to utilizing data in making decisions, it only makes sense to start using this […]