Professional Development: The Lean Culture

As Chair of our Chapter’s Professional Development Committee, I’m always on the lookout for opportunities for those of us in the world of FM to develop within our profession while also gaining insight into business and economic trends. One area that has gained momentum throughout the business world, from hospitals to banks to industrial manufacturing is the concept of Lean. In simple terms, Lean concepts are all about using your resources more effectively and reducing or eliminating waste. In the world of FM, this touches home by the fact that Maintenance productivity in most American companies averages between 25%-35%. A more desirable, and yet realistic goal, is 60% productivity. Learning the concepts, tools and implementation of Lean culture is one means of achieving better productivity from your resources. In turn, better leveraging of resources helps to reduce costs, maintain project schedules and enhance customer support. Considering today’s economic turmoil and emphasis on good strategic planning, I expect Lean to become the standard platform for tomorrow’s business operations. To gain more insight into Lean culture, the SMUD Energy and Technology Center has two offerings on their 2008 calendar. On Oct. 29th they are offering “Lean Process Improvement Tools” and on Nov. 20th they are offering “Lean Culture”. These classes are four hours in length and are offered at no charge. Additionally, the SMUD Energy and Technology Center also offers several other classes, most of them at no charge, specific to HVAC, Lighting, LEED and Building Design. Registration may be done online at www.smud.org/etc. I’ve already signed up; I hope to see you there!

Serena from IFMA