My Top 5 Tips: #1: Establish Clear Lean Goals Define specific, measurable goals to help the team understand expectations and maintain focus. #2: Utilize AI for Data Analysis Implement AI tools like IBM Watson to analyze production data and identify inefficiencies. #3: Automate Routine Tasks Use automation software such as UiPath to streamline repetitive tasks, reducing errors and freeing up time for value-added activities. #4: Foster a Continuous Improvement Culture Encourage regular feedback from team members to promote engagement and accountability in lean practices. #5: Monitor Progress with AI Agents Leverage AI agents like Akira AI for real-time monitoring, providing insights that help teams adjust operations proactively.

In the real world, deviating from standard practices is quite common, and if such deviations are not tackled in time, they can lead to more inconsistencies. The solution is to set up a process that can regularly monitor these deviations. Note those deviations, find the root cause, gather a team, and brainstorm to find the best way to mitigate them. It may be time to reengineer the existing process if the inconsistency is not just a deviation but a better way to do things, or we may need to find another solution. Another option is to regularly arrange standard training and sessions with the team, make them aware of current industry trends, ask for their feedback, and check whether they are aligned with the current process.

People will generally stick with a practice that 1) makes things easy for them and 2) is comfortable. If you want them to follow a specific practice, you have to make the benefit of the process meaningful to them! If they continue to deviate from expectations or revert back to previous tactics, you have not done a good job selling them on the benefits of making changes (or the intended practice is not actually the best one!).

Encourage Ownership and Accountability: Empower team members to take ownership of their processes and improvements. When individuals feel responsible for the outcomes, they are more likely to stay committed to maintaining lean practices. Lead by Example: Demonstrating commitment to lean from leadership is critical. By actively engaging in lean activities and showing support for continuous improvement, leaders can set the tone for the team and foster a culture of consistency.

Maintaining consistent lean practices often hinges on clear standards, regular reinforcement, and data-driven accountability. Begin by thoroughly documenting the lean processes and expectations so that team members have a shared reference point. Offer ongoing training sessions and concise, periodic refreshers to keep these principles top of mind. Finally, monitor key metrics to identify any drift in adherence, and provide timely, constructive feedback to guide continuous improvement. This combination of clarity, education, and measurable follow-through helps keep lean practices on track.