Thanks to Tennant who hosted December’s user’s group meeting. Tennant has shown many years of progress and development in lean techniques. Tennant has even adopted lean into their corporate philosophy. Tennant does many great things with visual management and material flow. Tennant showed us many things, but only a few things were discussed to any detail.

Tennant has daily management boards located in the cell. These boards are used to keep the team up to date on measurements. This is just one display on how Tennant uses visual boards to communicate with employees throughout the shop. The one on the left shows the

basic line functions. The one on the right shows how orders are progressing through the cell and what orders are complete.

Another great visual is Tennant’s kanban replenishment system. Kanban cards are placed in the tote located on the isle. The cards are picked up by a material handler and then the material handler brings back the material to stock the

shelves. The shelves are

numbered so the material handler can easily replace the material in the correct location to the operator.

Material handling, stocking and replenishment was very impressive. Mark stated that the team came up with the system and it works extremely well.

These carts were made to hold material for certain cells. When the carts become empty they get pushed to an area for the tugger to come and get them. They are pulled to an area where the pickers take the carts and replenish the needed material on the cart. Shown in the picture are the carts at the picker operation. The carts have cards on them of what time they were emptied, what time they were pulled back to the picker, what time the picker started, what time the picker finished and what time it was delivered back to the line. The team has come up with a certain time mark that this cart is fulfilled after it is emptied.

Tracking the work of the tuggers and pickers is done by yet another visual board. The board to the right is used to visually display the pre-set time it takes to pick each cart. The time is marked off by the magnets that were located next to the board in the bins below.

Below are some pictures of the visual scheduling boards used to schedule the rotational molders at Tennant. The cards are placed in the blocks of time for the molder and there are trigger points of when the molders must run.

Tennant showed many ideas they have looked at during their lean journey. The group was able to take a look at just a few, but Mark has expressed that if anyone would like to re-visit or collaborate with him, feel free to contact him. He has also asked for any improvements or observations for improvements that the group saw while touring the shop floor.

Kata

The group had a brief discussion on kata. Duane and Bob both took a workshop in kata and have learned some valuable techniques in teaching and getting employees engaged. The kata methodology involves a learning process for everyone to use to get to achieve the goal. Handouts were given to those who were present. If anyone would like more information, let Duane know.

Micron Christmas Video

The group also looked at the Micron Christmas video. Thanks to the guys at Micron for making another Christmas video for all of us to enjoy.

Next Meeting

Next meeting will be at DeWys on January 17th at 8 am.