Theory and Practice

Whenever it comes to the implementation of best practices, it is very hard to convince people the advantage of following them. Recently I did a presentation on SCM Patterns where people found that most of the best practices I explained are the same as they already following. To a certain extend their thinking is correct, but what it implies is not that they are really following them but the fact that those priciples are quite apparent.

Sometimes I advocate people to adopt to 5S. But in that case the respond is much worst. Everybody thinks that they are already following 5S or it is very simple to follow them, but both beliefs are wrong. It is the simplicity and obviousness which prevent them from accepting its validity and usefulness.

This is where you do need a field visit. I have worked in manufacturing plants where 5S has been implemented very successfully. There is a huge gap between what one can imagine and what can be really implement if everybody is willing to contribute.