Point of use storage is an excellent strategy for reducing the waste of motion (and transportation). Sometimes motion is a minor inconvenience. Sometimes motion is a bit more problematic.
The picture to the left is real. No Photoshop here! The name of the location is withheld to protect the innocent people who have to use the “workstations” and the guilty (it’s just not worth it) who established the “system.”
It’s kind of funny…if you don’t think about the implications for the employees whom we should respect.
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#1 by Simon Cunnane on August 13th, 2010
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Some Friday the 13th humour – i like it.
This same issue was highlighted in an episode of “Better Off Ted” which has just started showing here in Ireland. So much for “Point of Use” storage…
#2 by markrhamel on August 13th, 2010
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Hi Simon,
Thanks for the comment! I really chuckled the first time I saw the “system.” Fortunately, I never used it. I assume that the system may introduce the waste of “overpicking” before going into the workstation.
I’ve never seen “Better Off Ted,” but it sounds like I may appreciate its sophistication.
Best regards,
Mark
#3 by Chris Paulsen on August 13th, 2010
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Mark,
Good illustration of a common sense lean principle. Sometimes there are reasons for the inconvenience and other times you just scratch your head wondering….by the way, I’m new to your blog and found it because of your guest blogger, Tim. Thanks for sharing.
Best,
Chris Paulsen
#4 by Adam Zak on August 13th, 2010
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In a weird sort of way you could make a case for this placement of the critical supplies unit.
The supply dispenser is placed in a central location outside of the individual work cells. Each person, on his or her way to the work cell, selects appropriate amount of supply, before continuing on to the work station.
This arrangement allows for only one, rather than multiple distributed, supply stations, thereby saving on capital expenditures for plant & equipment.
We’ll have to get a couple of Six Sigma cost accountants in here to assess Mark’s identified potential waste, and therefore loss exposure, due to “overpicking.”
#5 by markrhamel on August 14th, 2010
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Hi Chris,
Thanks for the comment and for contributing at Gemba Tales! Yes, this particular example leaves one wondering. If they’re trying to save toilet paper, I’m going to guess it’s not working (no direct observation here…). Most folks are going to ensure they have a surplus before heading into their “work station.”
Best regards,
Mark
#6 by markrhamel on August 14th, 2010
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Adam,
I just walked in the door from a looong and painful day of business travel. Your comment made me laugh!
I’m assuming that you can help recruit the Six Sigma cost accountants!?!
Best regards,
Mark
#7 by Andrew Bishop on August 25th, 2010
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You didn’t tell us where the photo was shot – there are some parts of the world where this actually represents an improved state! Prior state was “bring your own, or you’re out of luck”. In such a case the central dispenser might really make sense to a thoughtful person making an improvement.
I’ve seen the prior state (no supplies on offer) and the improved state, as pictured, and believe me, I appreciated the improvement!
#8 by markrhamel on August 26th, 2010
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Hi Andrew,
Excellent point! The photo was taken far south (I’ll leave it at that). I understand what you’re saying about relative improvement. However, my consternation is more around the fact that the office folks’ bathrooms have true point of use storage for their TP, while the other folks have a less user-friendly system.
Best regards,
Mark
#9 by Michelle on May 8th, 2011
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Would you allow me to use your photo in a presentation I am giving in my Production and Operations Management class on POUS? I would certainly give credit to you and your site.