Category: Bez kategorii

Cause:
A client was outsourcing their entire accounting to an external firm, which resulted in high costs and a lack of real-time control over their finances. This model was not only expensive but also inflexible, as the client did not have direct access to their accounting data and had to wait for periodic reports to get a view of the financial health of their business. This limited the company’s ability to respond quickly to financial opportunities and challenges.

Action:
We recommended the implementation of Zoho Books, a cloud-based accounting software, in collaboration with our partner Comptabilité Livia, a specialist in Zoho Books. Together, we carried out a complete restructuring of the existing accounting system to ensure a smooth and optimized migration to Zoho Books. This process included customizing the chart of accounts, integrating financial data, and configuring features for invoicing, expense management, and payment tracking.

Additionally, Comptabilité Livia provided ongoing support throughout the transition, offering expertise on more complex accounting aspects. Through this integrated approach, the client was able to internalize a significant portion of their accounting processes while retaining access to external accounting expertise for specific needs.

Benefit:
With Zoho Books, the client now has full control over their accounting directly from their office. The centralization and automation of accounting processes have reduced outsourcing costs and improved the efficiency of internal operations. Real-time access to financial data has enabled the client to make informed decisions more quickly, optimize cash flow management, and enhance financial planning.

The continued support from Comptabilité Livia also ensured that all tax and accounting obligations were met, while providing specialized assistance when needed. Ultimately, the company gained autonomy, responsiveness, and efficiency while maintaining flexibility for more complex accounting needs.

Ready to take control of your accounting while benefiting from expert support? Schedule a free consultation with our specialists and discover how Zoho Books can transform your financial management!

Cause:
A client was managing their projects using a shared Google Sheet where they had built a complex Gantt chart. While this document was accessible to their entire team, they quickly encountered the limitations of this system. Manual management of tasks, deadlines, and resources in Google Sheets was tedious and prone to errors. Additionally, it was challenging to synchronize employee timesheets and integrate the information with accounting software for accurate billing. The absence of a centralized real-time view also made it difficult to track projects and facilitate collaboration between teams.

Action:
We recommended and implemented Zoho Projects, a cloud-based project management solution that offers a powerful and automated alternative to Google Sheets. Zoho Projects allows for the creation, management, and tracking of tasks and projects using an interactive Gantt chart that is far more intuitive and flexible than the one in Google Sheets. Each team member now has access to a real-time view of tasks, dependencies, resources, and deadlines, significantly improving collaboration and priority management.

Additionally, Zoho Projects is integrated with the client’s accounting software, enabling direct integration of employee timesheets for automated and accurate billing. This integration ensures that project data is automatically synchronized with accounts, reducing errors and the time spent on double data entry. Furthermore, Zoho Projects seamlessly integrates with Zoho CRM, allowing the client to easily link projects to ongoing deals, ensuring comprehensive client tracking, and maximizing cross-selling and customer retention opportunities.

Benefit:
With Zoho Projects, the client significantly improved the efficiency of their project management. Moving from a manual Gantt chart in Google Sheets to an interactive and automated Gantt chart saved time, reduced errors, and enhanced team collaboration. Timesheets are now directly integrated into the billing process, ensuring accurate and timely invoicing. The integration with Zoho CRM enables seamless project management linked to sales and customer relations, providing a complete and real-time view of operations.

By adopting Zoho Projects, the client not only increased productivity but also optimized their billing processes and strengthened collaboration between teams. The return on investment was swift, with a notable improvement in accuracy, transparency, and customer satisfaction.

Why not discover how Zoho Projects can transform your project management? Schedule a free, personalized consultation with one of our experts!

Schedule here: https://calendly.com/samuel-nault

Cause:
A client was managing their leads and business operations through a complex Excel document containing multiple tabs such as “Leads,” “Contacts,” “Deals,” and a sales pipeline ranging from “Qualification” to “Won/Closed.” While this system seemed functional, it quickly became inefficient as the number of leads increased. The client had to manually enter each piece of data, which was not only time-consuming but also prone to human error. Additionally, it was difficult to obtain a real-time overview of the state of deals, limiting the ability to make quick, informed decisions.

Action:
We recommended the implementation of Zoho CRM, a cloud-based solution designed to automate and simplify customer relationship management. Zoho CRM allowed the client to centralize all information related to leads, contacts, and deals in one place, accessible in real-time. Each lead and every stage of the sales pipeline was seamlessly integrated into Zoho CRM, eliminating the need for manual management through Excel.

We also configured data interconnectivity, meaning that when information is updated in one section, it is automatically reflected everywhere it is relevant. This includes the instant update of the sales pipeline, providing the client with a real-time overview of their business operations. Finally, we trained the client and their team to use Zoho CRM to maximize system efficiency and ensure successful adoption.

Benefit:
With Zoho CRM, the client experienced a significant increase in operational efficiency. The centralization of data and automation of processes reduced the time spent on manual data entry and eliminated errors that could occur with Excel. The client now has access to real-time data, allowing them to proactively track their deals, quickly identify sales opportunities, and make informed decisions. The sales pipeline, once static and manual, has become a dynamic tool that reflects the real-time status of deals, helping to prioritize actions and close more sales in less time.

By adopting Zoho CRM, the client not only gained productivity but also improved the accuracy and speed of their business operations—all at an affordable cost and with a quick return on investment.

Our experts start with a brief 15-minute meeting to discuss your needs. Interested? It’s free!

Cause:
A client, the manager of a growing business, was struggling with the complexity and burden of annual tax audit processes. This task was not only tedious but also beyond his capacity due to an already packed schedule. As a result, he frequently had to hire an external firm to handle this responsibility, leading to additional costs and delays.

Action:
We recommended and implemented Zoho Expense, a cloud-based solution designed for managing business expenses. Zoho Expense allows real-time tracking of expenses, business travel, and trips, while also offering automatic expense analysis. We carefully integrated the company’s chart of accounts with Zoho Books, their accounting software. Subsequently, we trained the company’s employees to use Zoho Expense, ensuring a quick and efficient adoption of the solution.

Benefit:
By automating expense management processes, the company saved approximately 100 hours per year that would have otherwise been spent on manual invoice entry and tax verification. Additionally, the solution provides real-time access to accounting information, ensuring near-instant synchronization with Zoho Books. All this was achieved at a very competitive license cost of just $4 per user per month, significantly reducing operational costs while increasing efficiency.

Do you need this type of application?
Schedule a meeting with one of our experts: https://calendly.com/jeangabriel-bernard

Date: 06.08.2024

Subject: Lean Expert Becomes an Official Zoho Partner!

Dear Clients, Suppliers, and Partners,

We are thrilled to announce a major milestone in the evolution of Lean Expert. We have officially entered into a strategic partnership with Zoho, a global leader in software solutions.

This partnership enables us to now offer you Zoho Projects, a powerful and innovative project management platform that transforms the way businesses manage their projects.

Why Zoho Projects?

Zoho Projects is designed to meet the needs of modern businesses in project management. Here are some key features that make it an essential tool:

• Advanced Project Planning: Create detailed project plans and track their progress in real-time.
• Task Management: Assign, prioritize, and track your team’s tasks with increased efficiency.
• Team Collaboration: Facilitate communication and collaboration among team members, no matter where they are.
• Time and Resource Tracking: Monitor resource usage and deadlines with integrated tracking tools.
• Reports and Analytics: Generate detailed reports for better understanding and decision-making.

How Does This Partnership Benefit You?

As an official Zoho partner, Lean Expert is now able to integrate Zoho Projects directly into your project management processes. You will benefit from a complete, integrated, and customized solution to optimize the performance and efficiency of your projects.

Join Us on This New Journey!

To learn more about Zoho Projects and discover how this solution can transform your project management, we invite you to visit our website or contact us directly. We would be delighted to discuss how we can help you achieve your goals with Zoho Projects.

Learn more about Zoho Projects → https://www.zoho.com/projects/

Thank you for your trust, and we look forward to continuing to support your success with innovative and high-performance solutions.

Best regards,

The Lean Expert Team

In this article, we will explore the differences between Lean certifications: White Belt, Yellow Belt, Green Belt, and Black Belt. What are the distinctions, how are they structured, and how can you get certified? We’ll explain it all. For a quick overview to get started, here’s the video you need: Watch the video.

The AFNOR NFX 06-091 or ISO 15053 Standard: A Framework for Certifications
In France, the AFNOR NFX 06-091 or ISO 15053 standard outlines the required competencies for each level of Lean certification: Yellow, Green, and Black Belt. This standard, in effect since 2011 and currently under review, distinguishes two main aspects: know-how (Lean tools and methods) and interpersonal skills (change management, leadership, communication).

The Lean Tools: Six Categories
Lean tools are divided into six categories, ranging from the simplest to the most complex:

• Basic Tools: Root Cause Analysis (Ishikawa), 5 Whys, brainstorming, VSM (Value Stream Mapping), OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness), red/green analysis, spaghetti diagram.
• Standardized Work: Process analysis, capacity sheets, kitting (logistics kit preparation).
• Autonomation (Jidoka): Poka-yoke, andons, autonomous maintenance (TPM).
• Visual Management: 5S, short interval controls, production standards.
• Pull Systems: Kanban, supermarkets, Milkman system, ABC analysis.
• Production Leveling (Heijunka Box): SMED, batch size calculations, etc.

The Lean Certification Levels
Lean certification levels are structured like a pyramid, with each level bringing increased skills and responsibilities:

White Belt: This level provides a general overview of Lean, including basic knowledge of Lean history, the Lean house, types of waste, and some problem-solving tools (5S, simple methodologies). It’s a short training aimed at familiarizing the entire company with Lean principles.

Access the White Belt training

View the complete White Belt curriculum / Virtual Demo

Yellow Belt: Yellow Belts can solve problems locally at their workstation using basic Lean tools and standardized work techniques. They assist White Belts and lead small problem-solving projects following the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle.

Access the Yellow Belt training

View the complete Yellow Belt curriculum / Virtual Demo

Green Belt: Green Belts lead more complex projects that cover multiple workstations or an entire production line. They use tools from the first four categories (basic tools, standardized work, autonomation, visual management). They manage budgets, schedules, and teams, and their projects are often fueled by mappings done by Black Belts.

Access the Green Belt training

View the complete Green Belt Manufacturing curriculum / Virtual Demo
View the complete Green Belt Office curriculum / Virtual Demo

Black Belt: Black Belts supervise multiple Green Belt projects, manage strategic initiatives, and use advanced tools (pull systems, production leveling). Their scope of work is broad, covering the entire value chain of an industrial site, including related aspects such as logistics and information systems.

Access the Black Belt training

View the complete Black Belt curriculum / Virtual Demo

MRP Expert: MRP experts oversee multiple process improvement projects, manage strategic planning initiatives, and use advanced tools (inventory management, production scheduling). Their scope of work is extensive, covering the entire value chain of an industrial site, including logistics, information systems, and resource management.

Access the MRP training

View the complete MRP curriculum / Virtual Demo

Practice: The Key to Success
To master Lean, it’s not enough to study theories and tools; practice is essential. Whether through case studies or real projects, developing leadership and change management skills is crucial.

A well-structured training plan, supported by real projects, helps build a solid foundation of knowledge and skills within the company.

Conclusion
A detailed guide exists to help you identify the competencies and tools required at each Lean certification level. A new version of the AFNOR NFX 06-091 or ISO 15053 standard (continuous improvement standard), focused on skills development, will be released soon.

Depending on your sector, constraints, and objectives, the ideal training distribution would be:

• 100% of your teams at the White Belt level
• 50% at the Yellow Belt level
• 10-15% at the Green Belt level
• 2-3% at the Black Belt level.

For more information, schedule a consultation with our experts:

Schedule a personalized consultation

Do you want to increase the productivity of your operations and eliminate unnecessary downtime? The SMED method is for you!

What is SMED?
This approach, developed in 1970 by Japanese engineer Shigeo Shingo, is one of the foundations of Toyota’s production system, which is at the core of Lean culture. SMED stands for “Single Minute Exchange of Die,” which essentially means performing quick tool changes. In other words, the SMED approach aims to reduce the setup time between different production runs in an organized and structured way.

Two Categories of Operations
This method is based on categorizing production operations into two types: internal and external operations. Internal operations are those that halt your production in the current process, while external operations are those that can be performed without stopping your production.

Four Major Steps
To properly implement the SMED method, four major steps are essential:

1. Assess Your Current Situation
   Analyze your current production process by identifying the duration of each activity. Filming the process is very useful for documenting the work sequence. This will give you an objective view of your current operations, their duration, and the concrete issues observed. This is where you will list your internal and external operations.
2. Identify External Operations Mistakenly Treated as Internal
   Next, determine which operations are being treated as internal when they could be completed without interrupting your production. This is where the magic happens, and the SMED method truly shines! You’ll need to think creatively to find solutions that convert as many internal operations as possible into external ones. The goal of this step is to minimize unnecessary downtime.
3. Convert Internal Operations to External Operations
   The solutions you choose for conversion should consider the associated costs and the required tools, such as technology. It will all depend on the budget you’re willing to allocate for these changes. Remember, a small investment can sometimes yield impressive results!
4. Reduce the Duration of Both Internal and External Operations
   The SMED method will also help you find ways to increase the speed of your operations, whether they are internal or external. Again, potential costs and required technology may influence the solutions you choose.

Why Choose the SMED Method?
In short, applying the SMED method will allow you to:

• Increase efficiency;
• Reduce or even eliminate production downtime;
• Shorten delivery times;
• Minimize or eliminate spare parts inventory and the space needed for storage;
• Make your employees’ work easier.

It’s important to note that this process doesn’t happen overnight! It can take time to implement correctly.

Ready to get started? We’re ready to take action!
One phone call, and we’ll kick off the adventure at your site!

Contact us to get started!

Shipping goods is an art, plain and simple! It’s crucial to leave nothing to chance and master every step of the process. Here are a few tips to ensure your system is optimized.

Protect Your Goods Adequately
Depending on the nature of the goods being shipped, pay close attention to the packaging you choose. To ensure the preservation and safety of your items, opt for high-quality packaging that is specifically suited to the type of goods you are shipping. This will minimize the risk of premature wear or damage due to weather, impact, or any other unforeseen event that may occur during transport.

Clearly Identify the Goods
Label all relevant information for the precise and complete identification of your goods as soon as they leave the warehouse. This step reduces the risk of loss and ensures that the goods are shipped to the correct location. Don’t forget to include the appropriate handling symbols, such as those indicating that an item is fragile or should not be exposed to heat. Supplies that present any danger or risk should also have specific symbols. Be aware that some labels are mandatory regarding applicable safety measures.

Thoroughly Inspect the Goods Before Shipping
Before your goods leave your premises, implement a control mechanism by competent and well-trained employees. This inspection helps ensure that the transport documents are correctly filled out, the items are properly labeled, and the packaging is adequate.

Choose the Right Mode of Transportation
This is a crucial step that significantly impacts both timing and costs. Select the safest and most cost-effective mode of transport based on the delivery location of your goods.

Establish Performance Indicators
After reviewing your process, and to ensure continuous improvement, we recommend setting up performance indicators that will allow you to track and evaluate:

• The costs of your shipment management system;
• The quality and efficiency of the system, such as meeting desired delivery times;
• The percentage of losses and errors.

Shipping Your Goods Internationally?
Even more attention should be paid to the various delivery steps, particularly regarding compliance with international sales conditions. In addition to choosing the mode of transport, consider whether, for certain items, it might be advantageous to hire a freight forwarder specializing in goods transportation. Depending on the risk of losing your goods during transport, purchasing insurance could also be useful and provide protection.

Lean Expert is, of course, happy to assist you in evaluating your current process and helping you improve its performance and efficiency!

Contact us for an evaluation!

(581) 680-0666

Good? What if it could be more than just good? What if we aimed for optimal management?

Let’s be honest, while the quality of your products and/or services is a key element of your company’s success, your employees are a fundamental pillar. In the current labor shortage, maximizing your staff’s well-being is crucial.

Typically handled by the HR department, the personnel administration team is specifically responsible for all the administrative tasks necessary to manage your employees. This includes managing employment contracts, compensation, leave, and absences.

Let’s take a closer look at your company’s current administrative management.

Are Your Professionals Attentive?
Ensure that your personnel administration team has the right profile and qualities to adequately assist your employees. Members of this team must be discreet since they have access to a lot of personal information. They should also be available and attentive to respond to employees’ questions and concerns regarding their working conditions. Professionalism is essential.

Are You Compliant with Current Laws?
The law is the law! Compliance with applicable labor laws is imperative. Consider aspects like managing public holidays or parental leave. Also, keep an eye on legislative changes to stay informed of new applicable rules and ensure their implementation.

Do You Have Impeccable Record Keeping?
Your employees’ records should be centralized in one place and meticulously organized. Implementing clearly defined standards will ensure a flawless structure, avoiding the loss of important and often confidential information. Also, plan for adequate and proven security measures to rigorously protect the confidentiality of personal information. Access should be limited to the appropriate individuals.

Do You Have an Accessible and Interactive System?
Your process should be transparent for your employees. To this end, they should easily access their information. Ideally, you should have an interactive system that allows your staff to manage their own records, such as completing and approving timesheets or managing and tracking absences. This will greatly save time and increase efficiency while minimizing the risk of errors.

Are You Using a Good Administrative Management System?
This is essential for implementing an efficient process. Various tools and software are available on the market. Take the time to shop around and compare them before making an investment. Sometimes, it’s better not to rush to ensure you make a durable and scalable choice. A pilot project could be an interesting option.

Now, if we ask you the same question: how is your company’s administrative management? Is the answer still the same?

You see, there is always room for improvement. In the current labor shortage, implementing an efficient, transparent, and rigorous administrative management process will make all the difference!

Need a helping hand to improve your process and select the right tools to implement? Our experts will do everything possible to effectively assist you in achieving your goals.

Contact us for an evaluation!

Phone: (581) 680-0666

It’s Friday afternoon, your orders are nearly completed when suddenly, a piece of equipment breaks down! The production line grinds to a halt. To make matters worse, the technician familiar with the machine has already left for the weekend. Has this nightmare scenario or something similar ever happened at your company? Have you really calculated the losses caused by such an emergency? Implementing effective maintenance management could save you from headaches and sky-high expenses.

1- Schedule Regular Inspections
Even if your equipment is new and state-of-the-art, it’s essential to schedule regular inspections. This preventive maintenance allows you to detect potential issues and plan repairs to minimize impact on production. By anticipating problems instead of reacting only when they occur, you also save on expedited shipping fees and emergency repair rates.

2- Keep a Repair History
Each machine should have its own record of repairs. This makes it easier to get an overview of your equipment’s condition, track part warranties, and save valuable time when resolving new issues.

3- Create an Emergency Technician Role
Establishing an emergency service allows better planning for your other technicians’ maintenance work. However, make sure to rotate the emergency role, for example, weekly. This way, all your technicians will have the chance to train on all equipment, and knowledge won’t be centralized with just one person.

4- Follow the Manufacturer’s Recommendations
It seems obvious, but let’s admit it, not all companies strictly follow manufacturers’ recommendations. Think about your car—do you religiously follow the recommended inspections in your manual? Yet, savings could be made in the long run, and you could plan repair costs in your budget. The same principle applies to your machinery!

5- Keep an Inventory of Your Equipment
Having a computerized list of all your equipment, along with an up-to-date location plan, will save you a lot of time. It simplifies life during quote requests and speeds up the process when you need to work with an emergency technician, whose rates are usually higher.

In short, good maintenance management can easily be summed up by the old saying: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!”

There are many other ways to optimize your maintenance and reduce associated costs. Nothing beats personalized planning!

One phone call and our team will be happy to establish a plan tailored to your needs.

(581) 680-0666
info@lean-expert.com

Happy maintaining!