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January 2025 #17306 Page #28
Ten Commandments for Improvement
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s we all start the New Year, we see the road ahead and the challenges we must face. This is part of the life experience: as time moves forward, markets change, and competition will Todd Drummond always try to take what you have built. Many difficulties may look daunting, but with the right attitude, we can improve upon all areas over which we have influence. Just as in our personal lives, there are rules or commandments we can use to guide us to avoid the pitfalls that keep us making the same mistakes. Here is the lean manufacturing list of ten commandments for overcoming the difficulties of implementing changes within your groups. (1) Abandon Fixed Ideas — Change should always be sought for improvement. This sounds easy in principle, but we all get fixated on thinking we know what must be done for most things in life. A practical example of that is using board foot to measure roof truss manufacturing. At least 80% of the industry still uses that inconsistent and thoroughly flawed method for pricing and manufacturing measurements. Maybe it is time to abandon fixed ideas. For further explanation of BF versus time standards, see my previous articles: •
Better Than 10% Labor Savings Proven Method Endorsement by Scott Arquilla
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How One Wood Truss Industry Leader Uses Industrial Engineering Practices of Work Minutes to Excel.
(2) Think of Creative Ways of How It Would Be Possible — It is important to ignore feasibility and think of possibilities first. When I do my work helping people with their operations, it is so common for people to be fixated on costs, traditional methods, and what they consider practical methods. When I start talking about moving equipment, making new doors in walls, or even lifting material or equipment onto an elevated platform, people’s minds start turning with possibilities. Of course, some of the ideas are not cost-effective, but one does not know until the idea has been thoroughly vetted for the problem you are trying to resolve or improve upon. (3) Do Not Accept Excuses — The 80/20 rule is very applicable here, which means 80% do not know how, and 20% refuse because of other reasons, such as ego. Keep in mind that most people would change their work environment if they had the power and know-how. Take the time to show people how to make the changes, and most are eager to embrace this new idea. The other 20% of people present internal culture challenges that are too long to explain in this article. Continued next page
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