Identifying the Seven Wastes

 

In this article I will help you to become expert in recognising the seven different types
of wastes in business processes.

 
Here they are:

The elimination of these Seven Wastes is fundamental to creating
a Lean enterprise.

Once you remember TIM WOOD you will never forget the Seven Wastes.

Great stuff.

What most people find difficult is the ability to distinguish
between the different types of waste.

In the next few moments I am going to help you to do this.

I have prepared a short exercise which hopefully is a bit of fun.

It will make you think about the seven different types of waste.

Here is what you need to do to try it.

Get a pen and paper.

Write down the numbers 1 to 25 for your answers.

Now read the following statements and write down which of the
Seven Wastes (TIM WOOD) is being described:

1. A 30 page report when a short 2 page executive summary would have done

2. Having to write out for further information because an application form is incomplete

3. Having both electronic records and paper records

4. Getting the wrong address on an envelope

5. Getting the wrong limb amputated

6. Excessive packaging on a music CD

7. Having 3 spreadsheets to record the same information

8. Receiving the wrong mail

9. Receiving 3 bits of identical junk mail

10. Moving files across several floors

11. Putting sticky tape over a seal on an envelope

12. Extra keyboard strokes (not using shortcuts)

13. Having to reach down to pick up a file

14. Holding 10 years worth of bar code labels

15. Receiving 200 pieces of work from the previous process when your capacity is 30 per day

16. Hunting around the office for a case file

17. Stocking every colour of paper imaginable

18. Coffee but no milk in your hotel room

19. Having to deliver files to a different city

20. Making a few extra photo copies

21. Electronic key for your hotel room does not work

22. Having six pens and 3 staplers on your desk

23. Running out of headed note paper

24. A witness not turning up for court

25. Lengthy cases notes when a simple explanation    would be more helpful  

You can find the answers here:

http://www.leankaizen.co.uk/answers-to-seven-wastes.html

What to do next

Get a bit of paper and write down the letters TIM WOOD spaced out in a column down the
left hand side.

T

I

M

W

O

O

D

Now investigate your own workplace and look for examples of the Seven different type of waste
and write them down.

Think of ways of getting rid of the wastes you identified!

In conclusion

Eliminating the Seven Wastes is fundamental to becoming Lean.

If you are serious about Lean it is important to know what the seven wastes are.

It is also important to be able to recognise them!

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