If you’re looking for a simple, yet robust tool to help in to help you develop your business strategy, or your improvement projects, the SWOT tool (which stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.) is a simple but effective tool that can help you prioritize internal and external influences and help you in defining a […]
Author: Emily Martin
How to create a SIPOC diagram in Excel
As we know there are a great many tools out there to help us in our continuous improvement task from 5s to control plans through to Value Stream Mapping. For me, a great tool to use, but one that doesn’t always get the plaudits it deserves, is the SIPOC Diagram. In this article, we’ll look […]
The 5 key Challenges of continuous improvement
Given how some of the primary targets of continuous improvement is its focus on removing waste and driving change within organizations it is somewhat of a surprise that many large organizations still find business improvement projects such a significant challenge and despite tools like 8d templates, 5s tool, value stream mapping being widespread results From […]
5 Things we loved in December 2018
Ok so in our new round-up blog post we’re going to take a brief look at the things that we found entertaining/educational during December in the world of business skills & training. Hope you like our picks, as ever if you’ve got some feedback, we’d love to hear it in the comments section below (Disclaimer: […]
How to create a Training Matrix Template in Excel
In one of our recent posts, we covered how to build a resource plan Excel template . One of the fundamentals of such plans is the assumption that your resources have the required skills to undertake the tasks. But how exactly do you assess this? In reality, most businesses find themselves with staff that have […]
How to create a Resource Planning Excel template
Whether your running complex product manufacture or projects such as continuous improvement, being able to manage your resource requirements and getting an overview of your resource demand can be a complex challenge. Without an adequate resource plan, your project planning is probably bust – you’ll be thinking you’ve got that resource to do that important […]
How to create a business roadmap template in Excel (with pictures)
When you’re looking to improve your business, if you don’t have a map of how you’re going to reach your goals and objectives you’re going to struggle. That roadmap has to be something that’s concise enough so it’s easy to communicate whilst providing a critical view of how key goals and objectives will be met. […]
How to create an Excel based process mapping tool (analyze your processes + more)
I was recently engaged in a business improvement project with some colleagues and we were ruminating on how best to map the process. Now as you readers know, there are some great tools & techniques out there for process mapping, from swim lane mapping to value stream mapping together with countless software tools you can […]
5 Problem solving tools (how to’s and videos)
Working at a clients office a few months ago I was a little surprised by the question “so which is the best problem-solving technique?” Well, that got me thinking. Great problem solving is a learned skill and is usually a process that follows a set of steps to bring about the resolution of the issue […]
FMEA Excel template (And awesome how to guide)
In recent posts, we talked a lot about problem-solving tools including the 8D report, 5 Why template and Kaizen cards. While these tools are great at dealing with the problem when it presents itself to you and your business, part of the battle is coming up with methods that can identify issues before they arise […]