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From Theory to Practice: Junior Consultant at Stoneridge
From theory to practice: Junior Consultant at Stoneridge Before working at Symbol, Junior Consultant Wisse Bos had never heard of a Production Part Approval Process (PPAP). Now he knows all the terms associated with a PPAP - such as PSW and PCN - like the back of his...
Optimize Quality Management with AI Tools
Optimize quality management with AI tools In the modern business environment, quality management is becoming increasingly important. Companies strive to provide high-quality products and services to ensure customer satisfaction and market competitiveness. Quality...
The Netherlands’ youngest Black Belt speaks
A ideal is not yet not a solutionEmiel recently gave a training session on the topic of problem definition and measurable requirements.During the session, he gave several times the feedback that it is not necessary, and may even be undesirable, to think about...
An ideal image is not yet a solution
From ISO 9001 to IATF 16949As consultants with expertise in ISO 9001 quality management systems, we are often asked how best to transition to IATF 16949. For suppliers, certification according to IATF 16949:2016 is an important prerequisite to participate in the...
From ISO 9001 to IATF 16949
From ISO 9001 to IATF 16949As consultants with expertise in ISO 9001 quality management systems, we are often asked how best to transition to IATF 16949. For suppliers, certification according to IATF 16949:2016 is an important prerequisite to participate in the...
Improving focus: Initial results from our survey
Improvement in focus: Initial results from our research Every year, organizations invest hundreds of millions, if not billions, in optimizing their operations. These efforts vary widely; from launching small-scale lean or agile projects to developing sophisticated...
Deepfake deception: The double side of deepfakes
Deepfake Detection: The double side of deepfakes A recent shocking incident has impressively revealed the dark side of artificial intelligence and deepfake technology. In this disturbing event involving a financial employee in Hong Kong, he thought he was speaking to...
The benefits of Blended Learning
The benefits of Blended Learning At Symbol, we are constantly looking for innovative ways to make learning more accessible and effective for professionals worldwide. We are proud to introduce our Lean Six Sigma Green Belt training now in a Blended Learning format...
The application of AI in Lean Six Sigma projects
The application of AI in Lean Six Sigma projects Lean Six Sigma has been used for decades to improve processes, with the goal of shorter lead times, better quality and lower operating costs. Companies and organizations around the world apply this method in solving...
The Lean Experience Center has been revamped
The Lean Experience Center has undergone a renewal We are excited to announce that our Lean Experience Center (LEC) has undergone an exciting transformation! After months of hard work and dedication, our center is now an even more powerful learning environment. Why...
Operational Management: the key to success in SME acquisitions
Operations Management: The key to success in SME acquisitions What is often overlooked in business acquisitions in larger SMEs is the maturity of the day-to-day operational processes at the new investment. Perhaps not sexy or intellectually challenging, but in...
Navigating workforce shortages: How Lean can strengthen work force
Labor shortages on the radar? Don’t panic! Learn how you can use a touch of Lean magic to optimize your current workforce and keep your operations running at full capacity. Dive into this article for smart steps and proven methods to address the challenges of labor market shortage without compromising on quality. Discover how to make your team and company shine, even in challenging times. Ready to take up the gauntlet? Read on!
6 tips for a smooth return to work after summer vacation
Back from vacation to work? Discover 6 tips & Lean principles for a smooth transition: acclimate, plan, reduce distractions, communicate and increase productivity.
10 steps to develop your organization into a ‘Digital Champion’
Discover 10 steps to transform your organization into a “Digital Champion. Learn about Industry 4.0 and prepare for the digital revolution.
Study Trip Japan 2023
Japan is a country known for its rich history, beautiful landscapes and fascinating culture. It is also a country that embraces innovation and is at the forefront of technological developments.
The Symbol Japan trip was an interesting travel experience that allowed participants to explore the splendor and culture of Japan. This unique trip brought people together to explore some of the country’s most iconic sights, attend traditional ceremonies and better understand Japan’s corporate culture.
The world is changing at a rapid pace, how is Japan dealing with the new industry?
Symbol successfully implement Training Within Industry at Tecnotion
Symbol implement successfully Training Within Industry at Tecnotion Tecnotion is the global authority on direct drive motor technology. The Almelo-based company specializes in the development and production of direct drive motors. Tecnotion serves a number of...
Follow up on article about incorrect wait time calculations in the VSM
Some time ago, colleague Thom Luijben (consultant & Master Black Belt) published the article"Frequently seen: incorrect wait time calculations in the VSM" about the incorrect wait time calculations as he often encounters them in VSMs. This article was also posted...
Commonly seen: incorrect wait time calculations in the VSM
In this blog, our Master Black Belt trainer and consultant Thom Luijben discusses waiting time calculation in a Value Stream Map (VSM). A bottleneck in your process can have significant impact on wait time. Thom charges you how this works. Let me just start by...
Agile Scrum and Lean: a beautiful marriage!
Today, many organizations are improving their processes and their organizations. Often necessary due to digitalization, budget cuts or increased (international) competition. Being agile and achieving good results seems feasible only in excellently organized and...
Participants enthusiastic about virtual classroom training IATF 16949
On Thursday, March 26 and Friday, March 27, trainer Richard Winter conducted the IATF 16949 internal auditing and IATF 16949 core tools training as an open course. Due to corona measures, this training was conducted in the virtual classroom. That this was by no means...
The Need for Sales & Operations Planning
Cooperation between the Production and Sales departments is not always obvious. Perhaps you recognize it within your own organization? Sales always just demands products out of stock and Production does not always produce according to Sales' forecast. What is the...
The new FMEA standard is a reality: here’s what’s changing for your organization
There is important news from FMEA land. Trial runs by a number of reputable companies in Germany and the United States have been taking place recently, and now the ball is in the court: the new joint FMEA standard of the American AIAG and the German VDA is a reality....
Are you already in the lead when it comes to your supplier chain?
Perhaps you recognize this. Your supplier was supposed to deliver parts by noon, but the order is still not in. The parts did arrive, but what was agreed upon was not delivered. Or the parts do not have the desired quality, making them unusable. Such problems have...
Preparing for the new FMEA standard: this is what you need to know
As of June 3, 2019, the new FMEA standard is a reality. What exactly will change with the arrival of this and what it means for your organization can be read in this blog. But what exactly is the point of this directive? And what should you as an organization do with...
8D, APQP, FMEA or Cpk? What does the client mean and what did I actually say “Yes” to?
Do you recognize the above questions or reflections? These questions are increasingly being asked of Symbol by associates. Various end customers in High Tech, Oil & Gas and Rail & Infra, among others, are increasingly using the quality techniques already...
FMEA Project X Who doesn’t remember the dramatic images….
Who does not remember the dramatic images of Project X, the birthday party in Haren, Groningen, that went completely out of control? Far too many young people came with the wrong intentions to accept a careless invitation. The result is known.......
The autonomous car, what are the implications for the quality manager?
Toward fully autonomous cars Cars with fully automatic parking will gradually become commonplace on the streets. The driver will be increasingly relieved in the future, as the car will take over traditional driver tasks. Cars that recognize traffic lights and act in...
First improvements Yellow Belts at CSK visible!
At our relationship CSK, which specializes in manufacturing dairy products, seven groups have now been trained to become Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belts as part of the "culture to grow" project. The first improvements are visible. For inspiration, CSK shared some great...
Seize the opportunities: invest in continuous improvement
"Lean" and "Lean Six Sigma" (LSS) have long since ceased to be new concepts in municipalities. As a result of decentralizations, digitization, stricter laws and regulations regarding processing times and an aging population, better and more efficient service delivery...
The benefits of Lean for Dutch municipalities
The services provided by Dutch municipalities are under a magnifying glass. Municipalities are not only faced with the task of reducing costs, but also have to deal with decentralization as well as with citizens who are demanding more and more from their services....
Webinar Show me the data – download the presentation and get your dataset screened
April 16, we hosted the webinar Show me the data. The inspiring online event was attended by nearly 70 people. Our data scientist Sjoerd de Vries gave a great explanation of big data and practical examples of problems that can be solved using good data...
Take training safely in our virtual classroom now!
All of our Open Trainings can now be taken in the virtual classroom! If you provide a good Internet connection and a computer with a camera and microphone, we will provide the quality training you have come to expect from us. Are you currently working at home? Or can...
Do the efficiency scan! Lasting impact as a result of Lean Six Sigma
We regularly hear from companies that they want to start working "Lean," or first need to get their organization in order to start working with "Six Sigma." And meanwhile, every day euros are overspent on waste and unnecessarily deployed temporary workers. Stop making...
A Lean Six Sigma team building day at a location of your choice
Want to introduce your team to Lean Six Sigma in a dynamic and engaging way? Then organize a team building day. We can provide such a practice day for you and with you. Interested? We are happy to visit you with no obligation to explain and discuss the possibilities....
Lack of leadership will lead to a path of hardship
"The board is not showing leadership." When something goes wrong in the implementation of Lean Six Sigma, this is a common first accusation. But showing leadership is not just the job of management. Leadership is also required of employees - think project managers and...
SMART Industry and the future of Lean Six Sigma at EZ
What is SMART Industry? The 6-minute video below explains exactly what SMART Industry is all about The SMART Industry framework The SMART industry framework includes 7 elements shown below. One of the most important developments is that the role of robots will...
The Master Black Belt course seen in practice
Master Black Belts possess excellent expertise and knowledge in Lean Six Sigma. They are responsible for establishing and rolling out improvement programs and support management in determining the right strategy and breakthrough projects. They develop and provide...
Digitization changes view of Treacy and Wiersema value strategies
In a world of rapid change and lurking disruption, it is increasingly important for organizations to be able to stand out from the rest. For decades, Treacy and Wiersema's thinking has been one of the most important guiding principles for creating distinctiveness. But...
Six Sigma methodologies in service and healthcare?
Last Friday, October 24, Symbol organized the event "Lean...What about Six Sigma? The event took place at 's Heeren Loo Zorggroep in Amersfoort. 'Lean' is now a well-known phenomenon in both Services and Healthcare. Instead, in a relaxed atmosphere, they reflected on...
5 Tips for better securing Continuous Improvement!
Continuous improvement? Read 5 tips to better secure your improvements here. Tip 1: Focus on improvements that save time After all, this is what employees experience themselves and that motivates them. Working more efficiently also ultimately results in financial...