Standardized Work

Lean Yellow Belt Tool Standardized Work

What is Standardized Work

Standardized Work are documented procedures that capture best practices.

Why Standardized Work

General advantages

  • Standardizes best practices of processes.
  • Reduces variability of processes and their outputs (Mura and Muri).

Reduces waste types

When to use Standardized Work

Essential conditions

None

N/A

Non-essential conditions

5S

Provides a dedicated place for inputs, outputs and tools.

Consensus

Helps in sustaining results.

Visual Management

Provides feedback on the process.

How to implement and use Standardized Work

Implementation

Process:

  • Have employees who perform the task reach a consensus on the “one best way” (the best practice) to perform the task and document it.

A Standardized Operating Procedure (SOP) document must contain:

  • Task sequence
  • Required tools
  • Required items (the inputs)
  • Cycle time
  • Quality criteria (if applicable)

Aids:

  • The free and open-source software Diagrams.net (previously called draw.io) helps create visual SOPs easily.
  • Templates are available for both Diagrams.net and Word.

Use

Use the three-step rule:

  1. If we have no standards, we need to develop them.
  2. If we have standards, we should work according to the standards.
  3. If we work according to the standards, we should continuously try to improve the standards.

Be aware:

  • Once standards are defined by consensus, everybody will be expected to follow the standard.
  • The standard must be a “living” document that is easy to change.

Where to find it

IASSC Body of Knowledge:

Lean: 28

Yellow ➔ Apply
Green ➔ Create
Black ➔ Create

Lean Six Sigma: 5.1

Yellow ➔ Apply
Green ➔ Apply
Black ➔ Apply

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About the Author

Floris Lap is an IASSC-certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and founder of Procestimal. He empowers organizations to maximize value and reduce waste through practical Lean Six Sigma solutions—contributing to a more sustainable world where businesses thrive with minimal resources. Contact us

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