— A Leadership Reflection on Purpose, Alignment, and Impact It was a usual start to the day, except that this wasn’t an ordinary day. The chairs were neatly arranged, the projector was already humming, and there was an anticipatory energy in the room. I had not originally planned to be here. My schedule suggested I’d […]
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In today’s highly competitive manufacturing landscape, companies invest heavily in defining processes, creating detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), deploying modern machinery, and training their workforce. Yet, many still face chronic inefficiencies, persistent wastages, and reduced productivity. What’s often overlooked is a critical but silent contributor to these issues: poor factory layout. Whether you’re building a […]
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Implementing a business strategy is often more challenging than creating one. While defining a clear strategic vision is essential, effective execution is where many organizations struggle. Strategic plans may look great on paper, but turning them into measurable outcomes requires focus, alignment, leadership, and adaptability. At Seicho Consulting, we help businesses bridge the gap between […]
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Debunking the Myth: “SOPs Kill Innovation” In a recent conversation with a CEO, a common concern was raised — that Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) can make minds rigid and limit innovation. This perception, though widespread, misses a core Lean principle: the purpose of standardization is not to restrict creativity, but to eliminate waste (#Muda) and […]
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Total Flow Management (TFM) is a comprehensive approach aimed at managing the flow of materials, information, and products throughout an entire organization or supply chain. It focuses on ensuring that all processes are synchronized and operating efficiently to deliver the right products at the right time, in the right quantity, and with the highest possible […]
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Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) is a proactive maintenance strategy designed to improve the reliability and efficiency of production equipment by involving all employees in the maintenance process. It aims to maximize equipment uptime, reduce breakdowns, and increase productivity while improving safety and quality. 1. Meaning of TPM: 2. Purpose of TPM: The primary purpose of […]
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Heijunka is a key concept in lean manufacturing, particularly within the Toyota Production System (TPS), aimed at leveling production. It focuses on distributing production evenly over time, reducing fluctuations in demand, and achieving a smooth, continuous flow in the manufacturing process. Heijunka helps companies achieve just-in-time (JIT) production and minimizes waste. 1. Meaning of Heijunka: […]
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SMED is a lean manufacturing technique aimed at reducing the time it takes to change over equipment or processes, thus improving flexibility, reducing downtime, and increasing production efficiency. The goal is to reduce changeover time to under 10 minutes (hence “single-minute”), thereby increasing the availability of equipment and the overall capacity of the production process. […]
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(TQM) is a comprehensive and structured approach to organizational management that seeks to improve the quality of products and services through continuous improvements and the involvement of all employees. Below is a detailed explanation of the meaning, purpose, methodology, application, benefits, and examples of TQM:1. Meaning of TQM Total Quality Management (TQM) is an organizational […]
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Hoshin Kanri is a strategic management methodology used to align an organization’s goals, vision, and resources to ensure that all employees work together toward common objectives. It translates high-level goals into specific, actionable plans and fosters continuous improvement. Here’s a breakdown of its components: 1. Meaning of Hoshin Kanri: It’s sometimes referred to as Policy […]
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