Lean and Continuous Improvement

What is lean and continuous improvement? Its listening intently to employees ideas.
Converting them into doable alternatives. Then, helping everyone own the new
process.
Daniel Penn Associates lean and continuous improvement model gets to the root of
your operational problem. We recommend solutions that maximize layout, boost
efficiency, eliminate redundant steps and smooth workflow. We make sure everyone
is on board with the improvements through validation and training.
Success Stories
DPA Helps Supplier Resolve Inventory and Return to Vendor Issues
Three Kaizen Events Help Component Supplier Meet Delivery Expectations
Re-thinking Product Flow, Parts Picking and Assembly Standards
The Path to Sustainable Lean Transformation and Continuous Improvement
Lean tools and processes such as Product Quantity Analysis (PQ), Process
Matrix, Spaghetti Charts, 5S, root cause analysis, value stream mapping, continuous
flow, Just-In-Time, SMED and Kanban deliver positive, often dramatic results, but
sustaining these results is often difficult. DPAs structured process can help you
effectively lead your organizations lean transformation.
DPAs experienced consulting team helps everyone in your organization learn about
lean processes, principles, tools and systems. We help you create an ideal state for
your business or organization that builds on your strengths and addresses your
weaknesses.
What are the lean and continuous improvement steps in our process?
 Figure 1

Assess Process & Culture We begin with a cultural and enterprise-wide scan of
your operation. Well identify your current lean maturity level, needs and opportunities
for change. We assess your operating practices and processes, systems, delivery
performance and costs. The assessment will help us develop strategies and
recommend action plans, resources and timelines that are tailored to your needs. To
get started, it will also identify initial target projects that align with your goals.

Develop Solutions Based on the initial assessment, we

Facilitate the design and tactical approach for your lean transformation efforts
Provide lean training, knowledge and skills transfer to your people
These steps can help you build internal momentum and acceptance for lean
initiatives.
Make the Changes We help your teams carry out your lean and continuous
improvement program. We help you implement new operating standards. We also
support critical internal education and lean and continuous improvement training
efforts that reinforce new ways of working. This process is holistic, hands-on, goal-
oriented and never-ending.
Figure 2

Measure Results How are we doing? To track and report on your lean
transformations benefits, we develop metrics for operational performance, quality and
customer satisfaction.
Sustain the Gains Management understanding and commitment. Audits. Keeping
an eye on the goal. Through ongoing evaluation and in consultation with
management, lean tools and training, we help management and employees sustain
the new continuous improvement culture.
What Our Clients Say
I was surprised to learn how procedural changes can have such a big impact!
We know it will be important to obtain buy-in from our teams to achieve long term
results.
[The Kaizen event DPA led] gave us lean improvement tasks we can work on
immediately.