How to Apply Lean Thinking to Businesses of Any Size

Alan Goodman, Instructional Chair - Quality Engineering & Technology, MATC

It's no secret that businesses of all sizes are constantly facing a challenge of some sort. Whether it's visualizing and implementing long-term goals for the brand or optimizing the flow of everyday operations, overcoming these challenges is critical to the success of the company. And when facing these challenges as a small business, the uphill battle is that much steeper.

One of the most common misconceptions about Lean or Lean Six Sigma is that it only applies to large corporations with extensive resources and complex operations. That's simply not true. Lean principles enhance any process in organizations of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises. Every organization must seek practical ways to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance customer satisfaction, all while keeping business running smoothly. And in today's fast-paced and competitive environment, it's important to remember to work smarter, not harder.

By focusing on the basics of Lean - creating value for your customers and eliminating unnecessary work - you'll enhance operations, customer satisfaction, and ultimately improve your odds at long-term success.

In this session, Alan Goodman will discuss practical ways to integrate Lean into your business operations. He'll teach you how to do more with less by equipping you with the tools and knowledge you need to start your Lean journey and drive meaningful results for your business.

In this session, we will:

• Define 'Pain Points' and explain how to identify them in the context of a small business
• Give an overview of 8 Wastes and how they apply to any business
• Discuss process mapping and the '5 Whys' and why it is critical to the growth of your company