Feb 11 2025 24 mins 1
In this episode, Tom Hughes, founder of GembaDocs, sits down with Ryan Tierney from Seating Matters to explore the transformative power of standardized operating procedures (SOPs). Discover how Seating Matters became a world-class Lean organization, the challenges they faced during implementation, and practical tips for success.
“We wasted so much money, so much time with systems that weren't up to scratch.” - Ryan Tierney
Key Topics:
- The surprising complexities of creating effective SOPs.
- Common pitfalls, like neglected SOPs "stuffed in a drawer."
- How GembaDocs helped transform Seating Matters’ process.
- Actionable advice for rolling out SOPs in your organization.
“..it wasn't until we documented the process we saw how much waste there was. So there was probably 45 or 46 steps in this before. But the physical act of going through the documenting process forced us to improve it and see the waste.” - Ryan Tierney
Takeaways:
- SOPs are a cornerstone of efficiency and quality but require proper adoption and visibility.
- Avoid overcomplicating your rollout; simplicity and accessibility are key.
- Learning from failures is part of the journey toward excellence.
Links and Resources:
- Learn more about Seating Matters (seatingmatters.com).
- Explore GembaDocs (gembadocs.com) for your SOP needs.
Connect with Us:
🎙️ Subscribe to GembaTalk podcast for more insights on Lean culture, SOPs, and manufacturing excellence.
