Lean Routine

Question 1

What is SIPOC?

Answer 1

A tool used to identify important components of a process improvement effort prior to starting work.

Question 2

What does SIPOC Stand For?

Answer 2

Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs, Customers

Question 3

SIPOC: Define Suppliers

Answer 3

Provide inputs to the process (can be internal or external)

Question 4

SIPOC: Define Inputs

Answer 4

Material, information, or services that are transformed by the process to produce outputs.

Question 5

SIPOC: Define Process

Answer 5

The high-level, step by step method that produces the outputs.

Question 6

SIPOC: Maximum amount of Process steps?

Answer 6

No more than six.

Question 7

SIPOC: Outputs

Answer 7

The products, information, services, or decisions that are produced by the process.

Question 8

SIPOC: Customers

Answer 8

Those who pay for, receive, or are directly affected by the process output.

Question 9

Four Goals of SIPOC

Answer 9

1. Establish/Clarify the purpose and scope of the process.
2. Identify process stakeholders beyond those who are directly involved with completing or managing the process.
3. Provides insights into all the process inputs and outputs.
4. Provides clues on what may need to be measured within the process to demonstrate improvement or to ensure the process is meeting customer expectations.

Question 10

What is a Process Map?

Answer 10

A tool used to display the process in its current state.

Question 11

What five areas are included on a Process Map?

Answer 11

Process Steps, Handoffs, Decision Points, Loopbacks, Delays

Question 12

Process Map: Define Process Steps

Answer 12

Activities required to complete the process

Question 13

Process Map: Define Handoffs

Answer 13

When information and/or activities are transferred between different individuals/departments.

Question 14

Process Map: Define Decision Points

Answer 14

Not able to move to the next proess step until a decision is made.

Question 15

Process Map: Define Loopbacks

Answer 15

Where process decisions or outputs may be required to cycle back through a series of steps until the appropriate decision/output is reached to allow the process to move forward.

Question 16

Process Map: Define Delays

Answer 16

Steps in the process where an activity cannot be performed immediately (e.g., batching, overnight system processing, mail, etc.

Question 17

Four goals of Process Mapping

Answer 17

1. Makes the full process visible.
2. Highlights process gaps and variation.
3. Critical input for process analysis.
4. Identifies all who are involved in the process.

Question 18

What three components are identified in Waste Identification

Answer 18

Value adding activities, Non-value adding activities, and Non-value adding but necessary.

Question 19

Waste Identification: Three requirements of Value adding activities

Answer 19

1. Done right the first time.
2. Transformational.
3. The customer is willing to pay for it.

Question 20

Waste Identification: Define Non-value adding activities

Answer 20

Consume resources without directly contributing to the product or service, and are not important to the customer.

Question 21

Waste Identification: Define Non-value adding but necessary

Answer 21

Activities are not important to the customer, but are required by policy, statute, or law.

Question 22

Three goals of Waste Idenitification

Answer 22

1. Distinguish between value-adding and non-value adding steps in the process.
2. Provide a common understanding and approach.
3. Uncovers areas of improvement.

Question 23

Define Impact Control Matrix

Answer 23

A comparison tool to assist with evaluation and prioritization of brainstorming results based on the degree to which an idea will positively affect the process (impact) and the team’s authority to implement the idea.

Question 24

How is the Impact control Matrix used?

Answer 24

Each brainstorming idea is evaluated and plotted on the matrix with priority given to ideas that are both high impact and high control.

Question 25

Four goals of Impact Control Matrix

Answer 25

1. Provide structure and organization to brainstorming ideas.
2. Allow for focused discussion and analysis.
3. Ensure all brainstorming ideas are evaluated
4. Help with identification of quick win process changes.

Question 26

Define Action Registers

Answer 26

Documents what needs to be done, by whom, and when. Used to guide and hold the team accountable to implement the redesigned process.

Question 27

Action Registers: Define Action

Answer 27

Task or assignment that needs to be completed

Question 28

Action Registers: Define Owner

Answer 28

The person who is responsible to ensure the task/assignment is completed.

Question 29

Action Registers: Define Date

Answer 29

Target for when the task/assignment should be completed.

Question 30

Action Registers: Define Status

Answer 30

Show whether a task is not started, in progress, completed, or behind schedule.

Question 31

Action Registers: Define Comments

Answer 31

Add notes to track progress or identify issues/challenges.

Question 32

Goal of Action Registers

Answer 32

1. Provide transparency to the work being performed to implement the new process
2. Provide opportunity to celebrate quick wins.
3. Ensure issues and setbacks are documented and resolved, or escalated.