🗺️ Ever made a Value Stream Map that looked amazing on paper, but didn’t change anything in reality? It happens all the time. The team gathers in a room, covers the wall with sticky notes, draws boxes and arrows, and proudly says “We’ve mapped our process!” But two weeks later, nothing changes. Lead times are the same, people still firefight, and waste quietly keeps growing. That’s because most teams unknowingly commit 3 common VSM mistakes that slow down real improvement. Let’s break them down 👇 1️⃣ Focusing on the Map, Not the Flow Many teams get obsessed with colors, symbols, and formatting. They end up creating a beautiful map but miss the purpose — seeing how value actually flows. 💡 Example: In one plant, a team proudly mapped their production line. But when we timed the actual process, 80% of total lead time was waiting between departments. Their map looked great but it never exposed the delay. 📍 Lesson: Don’t just draw. Measure. Walk the process. Watch where time is lost. 2️⃣ Mapping the Ideal, Not the Reality Most teams map how the process should work, not how it really happens. They skip over small “workarounds” manual entries, chasing signatures, or waiting for approvals, the real causes of waste. 💡 Example: A finance team once mapped their invoice process as a smooth digital flow. When we went to Gemba, we found 3 Excel sheets, 2 approval emails, and 1 handwritten log still in use. The “ideal map” was fiction. The truth was in the chaos. 📍 Lesson: Map reality, not theory. The floor never lies. 3️⃣ Jumping to Solutions Too Early The moment people see a bottleneck, they rush to fix it. But Lean teaches us to see deeply before acting. 💡 Example: In a packaging process, operators complained about machine downtime. The quick fix was more maintenance. But the real cause? Operators were waiting for missing labels, not machine failure. 📍 Lesson: VSM is about understanding flow, not chasing symptoms. Value Stream Mapping isn’t about making a chart it’s about making flow visible so everyone can see, think, and improve together. 🔥 Ready to master the real flow behind efficiency? Join our Lean Expert with 38 Lean Tools Training Program, which helps professionals go beyond the whiteboard to apply VSM, Kaizen, and Lean tools that create measurable results. 👉 Register now and get details for the new batch - https://lnkd.in/dVs6yE-X This is one of the best program in the world where you learn 38 powerful Lean Tools under the guidance of an expert trainer and get certified as a Lean Expert to kickstart your Lean Journey. #leanmanufacturing #lean #operationalexcellence #problemsolving #leansixsigma #kaizen #continuousimprovement
International Standard for Lean Six Sigma (ISLSS)
Business Consulting and Services
Londonderry, New Hampshire 130,896 followers
🥋We believe in team interaction, customer collaboration, data-driven decisions, value-added activity, respect & results
About us
🥋 The International Standard for Lean Six Sigma (ISLSS) is an internationally focused organization dedicated to bringing customized, value based Lean Six Sigma services and products so that you can focus on what matters most: profitability through competitive advantage, minimizing costs and enhancing quality and efficiency. We are joining together to network, to learn, to develop business, Jobs, careers, certification opportunities, to participate in best practice sharing, and maintain & build new relationships. We are a global community, uniting all White Belt (WB), Yellow Belt (YB), Green Belt (GB), Project Managers (PM), Black Belt (BB), Master Back Belt (MBB), Project Sponsor (PS), Deployment Champion (DC), Executive Leader (EL), Kaizen Practitioner or Facilitator or Lean Master, Auditors, Continuous Improvement, Management Consultants, Program Managers, Business Owners, Students, Professors, & Engineers. We are Lean Six Sigma Professionals, Practitioners, & students of Lean Six Sigma, Lean, Six Sigma, Operational Excellence, TQPI, Business Process Management, business analyst, BPM, Kaizen, TPS, Project Management, Change Management, Strategy, Supply Chain, Innovation, Quality Control, ISO, SCOR, TRIZ, Theory of Constraints, ToC, ITIL, CMMI, Malcolm Baldrige, TQM, Total Quality Management, Industrial Engineers, BPM, & Process Excellence. We are a central hub for author’s books, articles, white papers, podcasts, blogs, events and conferences. Consultants, and thought leaders are visiting regularly to support members in projects, productivity, training, skills development, coaching, mentoring, financials, statistical software, simulation, teams, organizational development, and more…. We practice in every Industry and have private subgroups for special topics such as Healthcare, Private Sector, Jobs, BPM, Information Technology, Kaizen, & Operational Excellence Lean Six Sigma Group https://www.linkedin.com/groups/37987 Partner: Six Sigma Management Institute
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https://www.islss.com
External link for International Standard for Lean Six Sigma (ISLSS)
- Industry
- Business Consulting and Services
- Company size
- 11-50 employees
- Headquarters
- Londonderry, New Hampshire
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- Privately Held
- Founded
- 2010
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- Lean IT, Supply Chain Optimization, Onsite & Virtual Support, Kaizen, Master Black Belt, Kaizen, Project Coaching, Consulting, Certification, Black Belt, Operational Excellence, Green Belt, Yellow Belt, Training, Deployment Planning, Agile Development, Business Transformation, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Continuous Improvement, Leadership, Mentoring, Exam Prep, Minitab, Online Training, Virtual Learning, Distance Learning, Certification, Coaching, Project Management, Strategy, Statistics, Data Analytics, Personnel Development, and Leadership
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Employees at International Standard for Lean Six Sigma (ISLSS)
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Steve Towers, ACXC® CPPC® CXMan ✅Service📈Revenue ⬇️Cost
🚀 Customer Experience & Business Transformation Leader | Driving Growth Through Innovation.📈 I help you deliver Triple Crown benefits, Revenue…
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Steven Daniel Bonacorsi 🥋
Steven Bonacorsi 💲 President of the International Standard for Lean Six Sigma (ISLSS)©, 🥋 Certified Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, 👥 Lean Six…
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🎯 Keri Mitchell 🎯
Lean Six Sigma group Manager for the International Standard for Lean Six Sigma (ISLSS) and Media Partner at Six Sigma Management Institute by Dr…
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Tami StCyr
Tami StCyr, Online Manager at International Standard for Lean Six Sigma (ISLSS)
Updates
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🌱 Kaizen is like gardening... You don’t plant a seed today and expect a tree tomorrow. You water it. You nurture it. You remove the weeds. You protect it from storms. That’s Kaizen, the art of small, consistent actions that lead to massive transformation. Most people want quick results. They want the “big idea,” the “radical innovation,” the overnight success story. But what truly changes an organization isn’t one big leap, it’s the thousand tiny steps that happen every day. Think about it 👇 A gardener doesn’t rush nature. They know that skipping small tasks watering, pruning, checking the soil, eventually kills growth. In the same way, when organizations skip the daily discipline of improvement, they lose momentum, morale, and meaning. Kaizen is about finding 1% improvement every day reducing one unnecessary motion, simplifying one report, eliminating one small defect. 💡 Over time, those 1% changes compound into breakthroughs. It’s like compound interest for improvement, invisible at first, unstoppable later. That’s why Toyota didn’t become world-class overnight. It wasn’t one innovation. It was decades of small adjustments, made by every employee, every single day. And that’s the beauty of Kaizen — It doesn’t rely on geniuses. It relies on ownership. When everyone contributes one improvement, organizations grow stronger, faster, and more adaptable. 🔑 So here’s the question: Are you planting seeds of daily improvement in your workplace, or waiting for one big miracle harvest? If you’re serious about mastering the mindset, tools, and techniques behind real, sustainable improvement, join the certified Lean Expert with 38 Lean Tools Training Program at EALSS Academy. 👉 Register now and get details for the new batch - https://lnkd.in/dVs6yE-X Learn how to turn Kaizen from a buzzword into a habit and watch your people, processes, and performance grow like never before. #kaizen #continuousimprovement #lean #leanmanufacturing #operationalexcellence Document source: Unknown
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International Standard for Lean Six Sigma (ISLSS) reposted this
BEFORE + AFTER! Stream worked with a client in Canada to rationalize their WIP and finished goods warehouse. Basically a 5S event for the warehouse. We eliminated obsolescent inventory (you know, the stuff with a quarter inch (6mm in Canada smiley face)) of dust, and materials that haven't moved in two years. We dramatically improved floor space utilization, improved safety with a strong focus on ergonomics, using gravity flow racks (grey bins) for part putaway and picking. Also reduced the pick height for slow movers with clear bins and static racking along the walls. Increased inventory turns, faster putaway, faster picking, improved response to customer orders. To see more improvements we have made, check out our website at: https://lnkd.in/gJfqjcAv #manufacturing #Warehousing #operations #materialflow #5s #safety #continuousimprovement #CI #innovation #leanmanufacturing #warehouse
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Imagine orchestrating the perfect plan, only to have it hinge precariously on uncertainties. What happens when your reliability plan isn't so reliable? We often envision plans as bulletproof, but the truth is, variability, unpredictability, and uncertainties can shatter the strongest strategies. Why Plans Falter A reliability plan faltering is like a seasoned athlete missing an easy shot. Unexpected hurdles demand swift redirection. Plans fail due to: - Human error - Market fluctuations - Unexpected events Remember when Toyota revamped their production line? It seemed infallible, yet they faced critical recalls due to unforeseen supply chain disruptions. Rather than unraveling, they re-strategized, capitalizing on agility and communication. Actionable Insights 1. Expect the Unexpected - Step 1: Develop a 'Plan B'. Identify common risks. Minimize damage by creating a backup. Assess potential outcomes and plan resource allocation comfortably. - Step 2: Create a reliable communication channel. Keep stakeholders informed. Weekly check-ins or emergency hotlines bolster continuity, especially when plans waiver. 2. Agility & Adaptability - Step 1: Embrace change. View deviations as learning experiences rather than roadblocks. Continuous improvement isn't just a methodology; it’s a mindset. - Step 2: Hold regular reflection sessions. Lean methodologies encourage PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycles. Debrief, learn, pivot. Practical Tips - Encourage cross-functional teams to provide diverse perspectives. - Keep data-driven. Leverage analytics to predict pitfalls before impacts occur. - Maintain flexible KPI systems. Adjust targets as environments change. In navigating uncertainty, it’s crucial to shift perception—adaptation beats resistance. Reflect back on this post. What resonates with you the most in terms of preparing for the unexpected? #LeanManufacturing #ContinuousImprovement #Agility #Reliability #Kaizen
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https://lnkd.in/gYucYjTw See how to use corrective action software to solve customer complaints. Here is a detailed example of 8D Manager in action.
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🎇 SPARK: “When Machines Decide...⚡”HOLD THE PRESSES⚡A machine just made another ethical decision today… and most of us didn’t even notice! From job applications to criminal sentencing, from credit approvals to creative writing — AI is already deciding who gets opportunity, and who gets overlooked. The question isn’t “What can AI do?” anymore. It’s “What should it do?” That’s the focus of today’s #FitByte 10-minute micro-course: “Ethics and Artificial Intelligence”... a brief mental workout that asks you to think, question, and decide before the algorithms do. 🧠 Join free at https://lnkd.in/eppRsY-3 and then join the global discussion. #ArtificialIntelligence #Ethics #Curiosity #Leadership #AIethics #MindGym #LifelongLearning
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Tired of sending out resumes that disappear into the void? The Green Belt could be your difference-maker. Exciting news! Our Public Hybrid Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification course is coming live to Chicago this November! From November 3–7, master essential process improvement skills with live instructor-led training — all while earning a globally recognized certification. Whether you want to join us in person at Office Evolution "O’Hare Plaza" or participate virtually from anywhere, this course is designed to fit your learning style and schedule. 🎯 Why attend? Gain practical tools to drive efficiency and innovation Learn from experienced Master Black Belt instructors Network with peers focused on continuous improvement 💥 Special Launch Offer: Register now and get an automatic $500 discount — no promo code needed! Want to help a colleague or friend? When they mention your name during registration, they receive the same exclusive $500 discount.. It’s a win-win for everyone aiming to level up. 📅 Dates: November 3–7, 2025 🏢 In-person: Office Evolution "O’Hare Plaza" – 8745 W. Higgins Rd, Suite 110, Chicago, IL 60631 💻 Virtual: Zoom access provided upon registration Have questions or want personalized guidance? Reach out at 866-922-6566 or training@sixsigmadsi.com for your training needs. 👉 Ready to register? In-person 👉 https://lnkd.in/dgW9e2Gk Virtual 👉 https://lnkd.in/d_945iyv Your next breakthrough starts here. Are you ready? Follow Six Sigma Development Solutions, Inc. #LeanSixSigma #Certification #ChicagoTraining #ContinuousImprovement #SixSigmaDSI #SSDSI
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https://lnkd.in/gqvneP8h Learn effective team facilitation and its role in creating teamwork throughout your organization.
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“Lead vs Lag -- The KPI Balancing Act” Most leadership teams measure performance but few know how to steer it. That’s the difference between Lag KPIs and Lead KPIs. ➡️ Lag KPIs tell you what already happened: revenue, cost, output, customer satisfaction. They’re your results. ➡️ Lead KPIs tell you how you can impact your lags. They’re your drivers. One looks back. The other looks ahead. Together, they define discipline in leadership — the ability to act early, not react late. Next month, we’ll be hosting a live webinar where we open up our own Lead KPI portfolio and show how each metric links to company goals and lag results, using real examples from our Presto PDCA platform. If you’ve ever struggled to connect strategic outcomes with daily behavior, this session will be worth your time. 🗓 Webinar Wednesday | November 12 at 5PM CET 🎯 The Art of Using Lead KPIs to Architect, Launch & Sustain Daily Discipline for C-Suite Leaders 💻 30-minute demo + 30-minute open-mic Q&A 👉 Save your seat here: https://lnkd.in/dVjVyuwx #Leadership #KPIManagement #ContinuousImprovement #PrestoPDCA #WebinarWednesday
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🧮 Consulting Framework - Account Management Templates ➡️ Download the full PPT >> https://lnkd.in/e6xWZySn These templates are created by former McKinsey, BCG, Deloitte, EY, and Capgemini consultants and are the same used by MBB, Big 4, and Fortune 100 companies when performing Strategic Account Planning & Management. Access comprehensive Account Management Templates crafted by ex-McKinsey, BCG, and Deloitte consultants. Enhance strategic planning with proven frameworks for key accounts. Let's dig in... 1️⃣ Structured Opportunity Tracking in Current Pipeline - https://lnkd.in/ejQCTgYp 2️⃣ Strategic Framework for Effective Account Management - https://lnkd.in/eJZjdbEg 3️⃣ Comprehensive Account Management Overview and Opportunities - https://lnkd.in/ef52GgkS Explore more consulting frameworks on... ➡️ Sales - https://lnkd.in/efcE8usB ➡️ Account Management - https://lnkd.in/edDskbMV __________________________ 🏷️ Tag someone in the comments who may be interested in this framework. 🆕 New consulting tools added to Flevy almost daily >> https://lnkd.in/evh6S9kY 👋 Follow me for more framework PPTs - as well as free giveaways. 🤝 Lastly please give this a like and share. This helps us greatly! #mckinsey #big4 #consulting #strategy #transformation #operations #organization #supplychain #growth #planning #smallbiz #enterprise
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