Uncommon Sense - Tools to Improve your Work Forever

Beyond its value as a statistical tool, the Control Chart is a symbol of excellence in operational efficiency and quality management that has shaped the world of Continuous Improvement. As we celebrate 100 years of Control Charts, PMI Director Consultant Dennis Crommentuijn-Marsh explores the history of Shewhart’s enduring legacy and gift to quality. Here are some more resources that you may find interesting: On Demand Webinar: Understanding Performance Using Control ChartsBlog: 5 Challenges of Embedding Control Charts in Daily Process Management On Demand Training: Lean Six Sigma Yellow BeltMore from PMI: Goals to Results Conference Register your interest Dive into our Knowledge Hub for more tools, videos, and infographicsJoin us for a PMI LIVE WebinarFollow us on LinkedIn Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. Explore On Demand >>Explore Distance Learning >>

Effective leaders recognise that their organisation's ability to improve is fundamentally based upon its ability to learn. In this thought-provoking episode of Uncommon Sense, we delve into the transformative role leaders play in empowering teams to apply knowledge consciously, as PMI Director Consultant Warren Knight explains the changes you’ll need to make to transform learning from conceptual theory to embedded knowledge. Here are some more resources on this topic: Blog: Learn KnowinglyOn Demand Webinar: Celebrating Success, Learning from FailureBlog: I Didn’t Tell You Because You Didn’t Ask!More from PMI: Goals to Results Conference Register your interest Dive into our Knowledge Hub for more tools, videos, and infographicsJoin us for a PMI LIVE WebinarFollow us on LinkedIn Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. Explore On Demand >>Explore Distance Learning >>

Process Operators are not just cogs in the machine. They’re the heartbeat of an organisation; executing core processes and directly influencing the value delivered to customers. Their work is vital, and as such, it demands a focus on standardisation, maintenance, and Continuous Improvement. Join PMI Senior Consultant Damion Albinson as he discusses the role of the Process Operator, including why it’s crucial that they’re engaged in standardisation and improvement activities, and the challenges of operators preferring to do things their own way. Here are some more resources on this topic: Podcast: Mastering Process Management Infographic: Key Roles in Process Management and Improvement On Demand Webinar: Every Day Tools for Daily Process Improvement More from PMI: Goals to Results Conference Register your interest Dive into our Knowledge Hub for more tools, videos, and infographicsJoin us for a PMI LIVE WebinarFollow us on LinkedIn Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. Explore On Demand >>Explore Distance Learning >>

Variation represents chaos and unpredictability. So in our business systems, which require consistency and repeatability to enable improvement, the concept of variation and its impact on performance is crucial for our Leaders to grasp. Packed with eye-opening analogies, Director Consultant Warren Knight explains the complexities of variation, the significance of control charts and the long-term view, and why tampering with the system without understanding the root causes of variation is a no-go. Here are some additional resources that you may find interesting: Podcast: Systems Thinking from a Leadership Perspective Video: Control Charts in Action Blog: 5 Things Every Leadership Team Should Know More from PMI: Goals to Results Conference Register your interest Dive into our Knowledge Hub for more tools, videos, and infographicsJoin us for a PMI LIVE WebinarFollow us on LinkedIn Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. Explore On Demand >>Explore Distance Learning >>

Managing processes is as vital as managing people for keeping the gears of performance well-oiled and aligned with organisational goals. Join PMI Senior Consultant Damion Albinson as he peels back the layers of effective process management and explores the iterative cycle of Standardise, Maintain, and Improve, and how mastering this triad can elevate your entire operation. Here are some related resources that you may find interesting: Podcast: Navigating Process Management RolesVideo: Everyday Improvement Using Standardise, Maintain, Improve Blog: 5 Challenges of Embedding Control Charts in Daily Process Management More from PMI: Goals to Results Conference Register your interest Dive into our Knowledge Hub for more tools, videos, and infographicsJoin us for a PMI LIVE WebinarFollow us on LinkedIn Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. Explore On Demand >>Explore Distance Learning >>

Imagine your organisation as an orchestra, where each section must play in harmony to create a beautiful symphony. This is the crux of Systems Thinking in leadership. Packed with thought-provoking examples and practical tips, this unmissable episode with PMI Director Consultant Warren Knight highlights the transformative potential of a Systems Thinking approach from your leadership team. Here are some related resources that you may be interested in: Blog: Why Self-Help Books Are Not for MeOn-Demand Webinar: Systems Thinking in LeadershipPodcast: Rising to Business Challenges with Improvement Strategist Estelle Clark Blog: 5 Things Every Leadership Team Should Know More from PMI: Goals to Results Conference Register your interest Dive into our Knowledge Hub for more tools, videos, and infographicsJoin us for a PMI LIVE WebinarFollow us on LinkedIn Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. Explore On Demand >>Explore Distance Learning >>

Successful process management requires a shift in mindset where everyone is empowered to think of their organisation as a collection of interconnected processes rather than isolated departments or functions. By embracing this process thinking approach and clearly defining process management roles, you can achieve greater efficiency, better customer satisfaction, and ultimately, improved performance. Join PMI Senior Consultant Damion Albinson as he talks about the concept of process thinking and the responsibilities of System Owners, Process Owners, Process Managers, and Process Operators in delivering improvement. Remember, the journey to excellence is continuous and starts with a single step – adopting a process-oriented mindset. Here are some related resources that you may be interested in: Improvement Toolbox – Roles in Process ManagementInfographic – Aligning Business and Process RolesOn Demand Webinar – Transform Your Operations IncrementallyMore from PMI: Goals to Results Conference Register your interest Dive into our Knowledge Hub for more tools, videos, and infographicsJoin us for a PMI LIVE WebinarFollow us on LinkedIn Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. Explore On Demand >>Explore Distance Learning >>

We’re seeing a growing recognition of the power of reflection in today’s fast-paced world, where the delivery of improved performance through every project is more crucial than ever. Join PMI Director Consultant Sean Buckland for a timely reminder of the power of Retrospectives in helping Lean Six Sigma improvement teams overcome project challenges earlier and achieve better results. Here are some related resources that you may be interested in: On-Demand Webinar: Agile Improvement - Myth or Magic? Podcast: Key Steps to Project Planning On-Demand Webinar: PDSA your Work, your Project, your ProgrammeMore from PMI: Goals to Results Conference Register your interest Dive into our Knowledge Hub for more tools, videos, and infographicsJoin us for a PMI LIVE WebinarFollow us on LinkedIn Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. Explore On Demand >>Explore Distance Learning >>

Whatever kind of change project you're working on, a good relationship with your sponsor is essential, but it isn’t necessarily easy. PMI Director Consultant Sean Buckland is an expert on the practical aspects of working with project sponsors, so join us for an episode packed with insider tips on how to enable your sponsor to confidently address challenges and prioritise the needs of your project. Are you looking for more support on working successfully with your sponsor? Check out these additional resources: Podcast: How to Get The Best Out Of Your Sponsor Video: The Role of the Sponsor in Successful Performance ImprovementOn-Demand Webinar: When Projects Don't Go RightMore from PMI: Goals to Results Conference Register your interest Dive into our Knowledge Hub for more tools, videos, and infographicsJoin us for a PMI LIVE WebinarFollow us on LinkedIn Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. Explore On Demand >>Explore Distance Learning >>

Is your demand unpredictable and difficult to forecast? You can reduce this challenge and improve your business efficiency by implementing a level scheduling system. Mastered by automotive giant Toyota, Heijunka is a Japanese term for ‘level’ or ‘flat’. It’s about having complete visibility of the system and synchronizing the supply chain for a smooth flow of customer orders. Join PMI Director Consultant Barry Byrne as he delves into the art of Heijunka and confesses that monotony is liberating when it comes to scheduling! Here are some related resources that you may find interesting: Video: Value Stream MappingOn-Demand Webinar: Managing Uneven DemandPodcast: How SMED Can Improve Setup TimesMore from PMI: Goals to Results Conference Register your interest Dive into our Knowledge Hub for more tools, videos, and infographicsJoin us for a PMI LIVE WebinarFollow us on LinkedIn Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. Explore On Demand >>Explore Distance Learning >>

Are you a Lean advocate, do you sit in the Six Sigma camp, or are you wondering what Lean Six Sigma is all about? Join us for a whistlestop tour back to the origins of Lean and Six Sigma, as PMI Senior Consultant Damion Albinson shares how these two complementary techniques have been brought together to create a powerful customer-centric approach which can deliver maximum impact through improving both efficiency and quality. Has this episode piqued your interest? Here are some more Lean Six Sigma essentials to explore: On Demand Webinar: Lean vs Six Sigma: Two Sides of the Same Coin? Training: Certified Lean Six Sigma Awareness course Video: Two Ways to Improve Your BusinessMore from PMI: Goals to Results Conference Register your interest Dive into our Knowledge Hub for more tools, videos, and infographicsJoin us for a PMI LIVE WebinarFollow us on LinkedIn Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. Explore On Demand >>Explore Distance Learning >>

Are you in engineering or manufacturing? Do you want to minimise downtime between changeovers? Then this Lean tool is for you! In this episode, Director Consultant Barry Byrne draws on his practical experience to discuss the SMED strategy for reducing changeover delays. He talks about gathering operator feedback, channelling it to create innovative solutions, opening the door to increased production opportunities and empowering operators. Interested in this topic? Here are some related resources that you may find helpful: Podcast: Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) to Measure PerformanceToolbox: Roles in Process Management On-Demand Webinar: Taking Out Waste May Not Make You Lean Podcast: System Transformation using TPM More from PMI: Goals to Results Conference Register your interest Dive into our Knowledge Hub for more tools, videos, and infographicsJoin us for a PMI LIVE WebinarFollow us on LinkedIn Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. Explore On Demand >>Explore Distance Learning >>

Do you want to know how effectively your system delivers value to its customers? What are your measures for availability, productivity, and quality telling you? Join us as PMI Director Consultant Barry Byrne talks about OEE, and highlights the significance of having a robust data collection process, which allows for a better understanding of the “six big losses” when output isn’t as expected or on schedule. Want to know more about this topic? Check out these related resources: Podcast: System Transformation Using TPM On-Demand Webinar: Black Belt Tools with a Kick Video: Using the Kano Model to Listen to Your CustomerMore from PMI: Goals to Results Conference Register your interest Dive into our Knowledge Hub for more tools, videos, and infographicsJoin us for a PMI LIVE WebinarFollow us on LinkedIn Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. Explore On Demand >>Explore Distance Learning >>

In this special episode of Uncommon Sense, we’re joined by former PMI Deputy Chairman Jan Gillett as we commemorate 30 years since the passing of the father of quality management, Dr. W. Edwards Deming. Jan vividly recalls the profound impact Dr. Deming had on him from their very first meeting at a conference in 1987. He shares how this encounter was a turning point, challenging his conventional thinking and inspiring him to make a difference in his own company. Join us as we dive into Deming’s lasting legacy in the business world and how his philosophies continue to inspire and guide us today. More resources that you may find interesting: Blog: Process Automation and The Quality Professional On-Demand Webinar: PDSA Your Work, Your Project, Your Programme Blog: Managing for Continuous Improvement More from PMI: Goals to Results Conference Register your interest Dive into our Knowledge Hub for more tools, videos, and infographicsJoin us for a PMI LIVE WebinarFollow us on LinkedIn Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. Explore On Demand >>Explore Distance Learning >>

The 5Rs will help you work more efficiently and effectively, offering a structured way to analyse and improve processes. So, as you carry out your work today, think about this one simple question: is this process step delivering value to our end customer? If the answer is no - however important or necessary it might be - it is still some form of waste which we should seek to eliminate or minimise, PMI Director Consultant Sean Buckland reminds us. Join us for top tips and practical examples as we explore how you can make the most of this straightforward yet powerful tool for successful process redesign. Ready to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in? Here are some more resources on the 5Rs to help you get started: Improvement Toolbox: 5Rs - a step-by-step guide Video: 5Rs from our Lean Six Sigma Green Belt trainingInfographic: Assessing the Value Added by the Work We DoMore from PMI: Goals to Results Conference Register your interest Dive into our Knowledge Hub for more tools, videos, and infographicsJoin us for a PMI LIVE WebinarFollow us on LinkedIn Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. Explore On Demand >>Explore Distance Learning >>

Kanban is all around us, although sometimes we don’t notice it. Its purpose is to provide a signal, in a Pull system, underpinning a just-in-time approach to work and avoiding overproduction and waste. It helps to ensure you have only what you want, only when you need it. Join PMI Director Consultant Barry Byrne as he talks about Kanban as a crucial communication method, helping to synchronise our entire system, from supply chain to the customer. Here are some more resources that you may find interesting: Blog: Creating Flow at the Car WashToolbox: 8 Wastes – a quick and easy step-by-step guide that helps you use this toolPodcast: Visualising with Value Stream MappingMore from PMI: Goals to Results Conference Register your interest Dive into our Knowledge Hub for more tools, videos, and infographicsJoin us for a PMI LIVE WebinarFollow us on LinkedIn Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. Explore On Demand >>Explore Distance Learning >>

Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of Total Productive Maintenance (not to be confused with Total Preventative Maintenance), and its game-changing impact on business operations. Whether you’re in the manufacturing or service industry, every cog in the machine plays a vital role in optimising value stream flow and achieving TPM excellence. PMI Director Consultant Barry Byrne explores the need for a mindset shift among employees to create the culture of collaboration that’s crucial for success, the power of harnessing data to make informed decisions in TPM implementation, and what you need to think about when striving for perfect operations. Here are some more resources that you may find interesting: Video: Value Stream Mapping – from our Lean Six Sigma Green Belt training Webinar: Transform Your Operations, Incrementally Blog: What is a Black Belt project? More from PMI: Goals to Results Conference Register your interest Dive into our Knowledge Hub for more tools, videos, and infographicsJoin us for a PMI LIVE WebinarFollow us on LinkedIn Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. Explore On Demand >>Explore Distance Learning >>

A gauge of work completed compared to available capacity, the Utilisation Measure is a commonly used Key Performance Indicator. But in this thought-provoking Uncommon Sense episode, PMI Senior Consultant Damion Albinson sheds light on how this measure, while popular, can sometimes hinder the achievement of flow in Lean businesses. Sharing a compelling case study to illustrate, Damion explains how the Utilisation Measure's focus on constant busyness can lead to inefficiencies and missed opportunities. So listen now to hear more on why your organisation should prioritise flow over utilisation to achieve results. Interested to learn more? Here are some related resources: Blog: Creating flow at the car wash Toolbox: 8 Wastes – a quick and easy step-by-step guide that helps you use this toolCase Study: Outstanding Performance Improvement Through 3 Focus Areas More from PMI: Goals to Results Conference Register your interest Dive into our Knowledge Hub for more tools, videos, and infographicsJoin us for a PMI LIVE WebinarFollow us on LinkedIn Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. Explore On Demand >>Explore Distance Learning >>

It’s one of the top 3 calculations that supervisors and managers should have at their fingertips, according to PMI Director Consultant, Barry Byrne. Throughput yield - the percentage of work completed successfully at any given process step – is a crucial metric when striving for perfection. Join Barry as he discusses the hidden costs of defects and rework, including implications for improving customer experience, and shares an enlightening example of how yield analysis can uncover upstream causes of productivity issues. Here are some related resources to support your improvement work: On Demand Webinar: Rework – The Hidden FactoryBlog: Measures – The Window to The Process WorldInfographic: The Impact of ReworkBlog: What is Lean Six Sigma?More from PMI: Goals to Results Conference Register your interest Dive into our Knowledge Hub for more tools, videos, and infographicsJoin us for a PMI LIVE WebinarFollow us on LinkedIn Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. Explore On Demand >>Explore Distance Learning >>

More than just a tagline or a sales pitch, the Value Proposition Statement is a tool for alignment and clarity, serving as a compass, guiding us towards delivering what our customer truly values. And if your process isn’t delivering value to the customer? It should be turned off or redesigned to meet the customer’s needs, PMI Director Consultant Dennis Crommentuijn-Marsh tells us. Tune in for more top tips and practical examples as we discuss Value Proposition Statements and how they impact business success. Here are more free resources to help you construct your Value Proposition Statement: Toolbox: Value Proposition Statement – a quick and easy step-by-step guide that helps you use this toolVideo: Using the Kano Model to Listen to Your Customer Infographic: Assessing the “Value Added” By The Work We DoMore from PMI: Goals to Results Conference Register your interest Dive into our Knowledge Hub for more tools, videos, and infographicsJoin us for a PMI LIVE WebinarFollow us on LinkedIn Take your improvement career to the next level with PMI's Lean Six Sigma Certifications - now available in two new and accessible formats, built around you. Explore On Demand >>Explore Distance Learning >>