The Four Components of a Fast-Paced Organization ― Going Beyond Lean Sigma Tools

This book examines the four components that must be in place for manufacturing and service organizations to achieve world-class business results: leadership and mentoring, process design and visual value streams, organization structure for sustainment, and fast knowledge sharing. The book illustrates the author’s actual experience working on a special Lean Sigma transformation at an organization going through a market alteration and having to consider outsourcing production to low-cost countries. The text illustrates how the four key components helped them achieve a doubling of productivity, a 75% improvement to their yield, and on time delivery above 90%.

Robert Baird has practiced successful applications of Lean Sigma globally for the past 20 years, including three complete Lean Sigma transformations. Each transformation achieved world-class business results. Baird worked for Schlumberger Oilfield Services for 20 years, holding various management positions. He then transferred to Gemalto and worked there for 14 years, holding top management positions including vice president of operations and global world-class enterprise manager. Baird is currently founder and president of Lean Teams USA consulting firm. He has introduced and supported a global Lean Sigma strategy for business results with his work in countries including Brazil, Canada, China, Finland, France, Mexico, Poland, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States.