In October 2016 Mike Weishaar Co-Presented with Mr. Imai, at the Kaizen Institutes, Kaizen Congress in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Mr. Imai, founder of the Kaizen Institute and author of the 1986’ book “Kaizen”, took the stage to share his extensive Lean experience and knowledge. The audience included executive leadership from many of the top international automotive manufacturing companies with plants located in San Luis Potosi. Automotive manufacturers include Chrysler, Ford, GM, Mazda, Honda, Nissan, Toyota, Volkswagen, and a new BMW plant under construction. The Governor of San Luis Potosi along with several local dignitaries, hosted a dinner for the manufacturing executives and the local branch or the Kaizen Institute.
Mr. Imai focused much of his message on flow. The flow of materials, labor, value and most especially the flow of information. He drove home the importance of becoming externally focused on the customer rather than internally focused on departmental processes. He also stressed the importance of creating a Lean financial support structure. While the manufacturing industry is commonly the central theme of Lean events in San Luis Potosi, healthcare was the central theme for this congress. Hospital executives and staff were in attendance to learn about the application of Lean in their own industry.
Mike Weishaar, CEO of Lean Integrated, an international Lean consulting group, presented the application of Lean processes to the healthcare professionals and the
clients (the manufacturing companies) they are serving. These clients, from around the world are accustomed to receiving world class healthcare. The healthcare organizations who are best positioned to deliver the world class service and outcomes required by these clients will win their confidence and in turn, the confidence of their employee’s. Lean healthcare is the path to world class healthcare service. Mr. Weishaar presented the transformational model required to provide healthcare professionals with the training, tools, and hands on experience required to obtain this outcome. The role of the executive team, the doctors, nurses and front line staff. The role of the patient and their families. A true Lean transformation requires the participation of all members of the healthcare community. Outcomes of this transformational process were presented from healthcare organizations across North America. Lean Integrated, in partnership with the Kaizen Institute, are working with local healthcare organizations to bring Lean to the San Luis Potosi healthcare system.