Standardized work
‘Training Within Industry’ (TWI) is a practical approach to establishing and maintaining Standardized Work. This program is about hands-on learning and practice, learning essential skills for supervisors, team leaders and anyone who directs the work of others.
TWI has a long history of success within both industrial and transactional environments and is an essential element within Lean and continuous improvement programs. TWI generates cooperation and positive labor relations; it teaches supervisors how to train employees quickly and properly; and it is used to solve problems quickly and efficiently.
“Without a standard, there is no logical basis for making a decision or taking an action.”
TWI consists of the following three pillars:
- Job Relations(JR):
Job Relations teaches us the foundation of positive labor relations. Developing and maintaining these relationships prevents problems from arising and is critical in earning loyalty and cooperation from others.
- Job Instruction(JI):
Job Instruction is designed to develop fundamental stability of processes by implementing “Standardized Work” or “Protocols. This program teaches the method of teaching employees how to do their jobs correctly, safely and accurately. As is often the case, most processes are performed by different employees using different methods. Job Instruction requires identifying the “One best way” and adapting the process to this “One best way. The basis of stability is created by all employees doing the same thing and in the same way.
- Job Methods(JM):
Job Methods develops individuals who are able to divide their jobs into their constituent parts. Every detail is questioned in a systematic way to generate ideas for improvement. The improved standard is developed by identifying and eliminating waste. Tasks can also be combined and tasks can be simplified.
All information in the SOP or Protocol is based on the best practices known to date. Employees will always need to keep looking for further improvement opportunities and optimization. 5S, Lean and Kaizen encourage this process of continuous improvement. If an employee thinks he has found a better way to perform the process, he should discuss it with his colleagues. As a team, they can then decide to adjust the standard.
Standardized Work need not conflict with flexibility and customization. On the contrary, a good example is the design of a new hospital. Each patient room is designed and furnished exactly the same for all types of treatment and care, leading to optimal flexibility. The room was designed in collaboration with experts from various departments to ensure that special requirements were included in the final design.