What is Standard Work?
Standard work is the identification of repetitive processes and activities to structure a baseline process for how to perform the identified task. The standard should optimize the defined task, to ensure a smooth handoff to reduce variability.
Why Standard Work Matters
Business Drivers
- Streamline problem-solving and process improvement.
- Ensure uniformity to certain practices.
- Simplify the training procedures for new employees.
- Lower operational costs.
Benefits
- Faster production.
- Higher quality of work.
- Happier employees.
- Increased customer satisfaction.
- Reduced variability and more predictable processes to ensure outcomes are near identical every time.
- Improve processes leading to better outcomes.
How to Apply Standard Work
To reduce variability and increase transparency work standardization provides a detailed process, inputs, tools and resources, and expected output.
By explaining each procedure’s steps and requirements, all involved workers can understand the process, remove unneeded waste, and can set a consistent baseline for performance.
Standard Work Overview
Best Practices
- Highly repetitive tasks such as assembly procedures are good candidates for standardization.
- Standards should reflect the current best-known method for completing a process.
Do
- Adopt a culture of continuous improvement.
- Visualize the benefits of Standard Work to encourage employees to participate in the process.
- Enable employees to provide feedback and take charge in process improvement.
Don’t
- Underestimate the importance of support from leadership.
- Neglect to continuously improve standards.
- Overcomplicate revision processes and change request forms.
Dive Deeper into Lean Methods
Complementary Methods
- A3 Thinking
- Value Stream Mapping (VSM)
- Visual Management
- Mistake-proofing (Poke Yoke)
Resources
- Book: Transforming Design and Construction: Chapter on Work Structuring.