General
FAQ: What's the difference between Lean and Flow?
Flow manufacturing is the core element of Lean Manufacturing. When we use the term Flow Manufacturing, we're referring to the proven process from designing a flow line or cell by linking and balancing the work content in its processes, and for designing a material Kanban system. Phases II through IV on The Lean Roadmap cover the details of Flow Manufacturing.
FAQ: Is the Lean Roadmap a rigid “one-size-fits-all” approach?
No, the Lean Roadmap is the result of many years of combined experience to provide a flexible structure to the implementation of Lean in our clients’ businesses. Not two projects are the same, and trying to repeat a recipe from project to project is a "recipe for 
disaster". The steps, however, as well as the tools required to analyze data and reach conclusions are the constant from project to project and can be learned by the implementation team.
FAQ: Can the Lean Roadmap be customized for my company?
Absolutely. Start with the project management file (Open Workbench) file we provide for free under "Links" and add all the details that are relevant to your business. The next step is to make sure that your Phases, Activities, and tasks are properly linked, so you can track the project’s progress. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and we will help you explore options to customizing the Lean Roadmap.
FAQ: Do I need Software to implement the Lean Roadmap?
The interesting fact is that there is still a need for a formal solution to many of the sustainability problems, like:
· Data ownership, consistency, and maintenance.
· Dynamic changes in resource needs due to business conditions or product introductions.
· Changes in materials needs due to market conditions like seasonality or the introduction of new products,
to name very, very, very few. These give you a small sample of conditions that would require you to almost redo you line or kanban design every time conditions change or you make process improvements. No wonder some people give up and let their Lean efforts decline and fizzle out.
So, as you can see, we see the need for a formal system to address sustainability issues. At the same time, we have no recommendations. Actually, at this time we have only warnings… Stay tuned, we will let you know when a good one comes along.
FAQ: Can the Lean Roadmap be applied to the office? Do you have any experience?
It absolutely applies to office environments. We are very aware of the fact that many consulting firms will tell you that this is possible (in theory…) but have a very hard time pointing to a specific implementation. Our experts have experience in office implementations with tangible results.Please, click here to review an article titled “Flow in Administrative Processes” we published on the subject under “Links”.
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