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Testing Todd: Getting 'Lean' in 2021

Welcome to 2021! We made it! I hope you all had a happy holiday season. Unfortunately, we are still in the midst of the worst healthcare crisis of modern medicine. My heart goes out to all those who have lost loved ones and have been directly affected by this tragic pandemic. I offer my sincere gratitude to all the front-line medical personnel who have tirelessly cared for the overwhelming cases we have been faced with.

Many companies and individuals had to make life-altering adjustments in 2020 because of the pandemic, including reduced hours, telecommuting, and examining how we do things in this “new normal.” Although the circumstances causing these changes are tragic, it forced us into becoming lean. 

However, becoming lean isn’t a bad thing. In fact, it’s a focus of continuous improvement. So, it seems fitting that we open this new year talking about becoming lean as a part of continuous improvement. Let’s look at what we have done already.

It seems that 2020 took command, particularly in how we go about our daily lives, both personally and professionally. Depending on where you live, restrictions, closures and interaction restrictions may all be a part of your life. To survive, we had to adapt, adjust and emerge strong. So, when we talk of “lean,” you may not be aware that you have probably already implemented some lean philosophies without even knowing it.

Where did you become leaner? There is no question you have adjusted to reduce costs. You may have reduced some manufacturing hours and workforce. Business travel may have been reduced or eliminated based on company policy and guidelines. These are direct bottom-line cost reduction measures. However, what we have also done is adapt. We may not be able to travel but we have embraced technology (albeit forced) and taken our meetings into virtual formats. In-person meetings have gone to cloud-based platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams and other options. Telecommuting has reduced cost and studies have shown actual improvements in productivity. Virtual business has become extremely popular as worldwide meetings can take place with no travel required. In short, it’s working.

In manufacturing, many companies have been forced to reduce staff and hours while still providing the service their customers and partners expect, especially in the sectors deemed as “essential.” This requires adjustments with reduced staff. Cross-training and multi-tasking with the reduced force is another example of becoming leaner. 

Becoming lean is a discipline of evaluating tasks, processes, layouts and inventories to identify waste and capitalize on removing the waste and streamlining. This is all part of the continuous improvement process. As you begin 2021, review how you have become leaner during 2020. See what you have done as a reaction due to mandated restrictions, and then apply that proactively now that you had to plunge into it without thought. Now you can take a better look at becoming lean and take advantage of what this discipline can provide. Cheers to 2021! Be safe. Let’s go!

This column originally appeared in the January 2021 issue of PCB007 Magazine.