Motion: Moving Without Working
Motion is one of the most time-consuming of the 8 Wastes. While it’s prevalent on manufacturing floors, it’s also consistently present in offices. The picture shows a spaghetti diagram which measures worker movement. Unnecessary motion is not value added work and even though the worker might seem like they are working hard, it’s pure waste.
In an office setting, Lean techniques like visual management and 6S workplace organization can greatly improve communication within departments and throughout organizations. Additionally, these methods can ensure work materials and information are easily accessible, just-in-time.
Examples include creating standard work for storing physical/ electronic files and any office supplies. A good way to get started would be to run a 6S event around better organizing the workplace. Think of the Radiohead song “Everything in Its Right Place” and live by it. #leanjax