Toyota Quality Circle Highlights the 2018 True Lean Conference

The 7th annual True Lean Conference, held June 13-14, 2018 at the Carrick House in Lexington, Kentucky, explored the theme, Building a Foundation for Standardization. The interactive conference had people out of their seats to participate in activities and ask questions.

After opening remarks from Dr. Kozo Saito, program director, the learning experience was underway. Wil James, retired president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK), gave a keynote address covering leadership’s role in setting the stage for successful standardization practices. Outside speakers included, Don Halferty, vp of operations, and Crista Stamper, quality systems engineering manager, from American Ordnance. Together they gave a presentation on staff engagement that ended with an interactive exercise for attendees. Rob Shear from SRC of Lexington, spoke on developing roles to enable staff to carry out standardization.

On day two, Tim Ward of TMMK introduced a Quality Circle team. Toyota’s Quality Circle program seeks to enrich work life and job satisfaction through participation in team based problem solving activities. A plant-wide competition between teams, the first place winner travels to Japan for the world-wide competition. The team presenting had a winning record at TMMK and in Japan. The members gave a full description of their process and results - tackling a real-world problem and coming up with its solution using lean practices.

To tie it all together, presentations were made by Lean Systems Program Instructors Glenn Uminger, Pete Gritton, Ownie McBride and Alonzo Allen. Using Models, the basis for True Lean, they provided insight into the basics and vital importance of standardization. Cheryl Jones, Crit Fisher Rich Alloo, Tony Chamblin, David Parsley, Alonzo Allen, and Luther Cottrell participated in panel discussions focused on Standardization. All lean practitioners assisted with question and answer sessions.

Next year’s conference will be held in the same location June 11-12, 2019. Mark your calendar and visit the website for details on the 2019 theme and speakers.