5 elements that must be present for successful standard work.

1. The 5 MUSTS
in
Standard Work

2. Created by Tom Curtis 2011
Blog: www.onimproving.blogspot.com
Presentations: on www.slideshare.net/onimproving
Email: ideamerchants@gmail.com
Twitter: @onimproving

3. Introduction
Any of these five elements to shirk
brings error, waste, and pain to lurk.
What follows are 5 elements that need to be
present in Standard Work. Why? To have one or
more missing renders a piece of Standard Work at
least less effective and at worst defect producing.

4. The 5
Musts

5. Be Current
Why it is a must:
If Standard Work is not current (reflecting the best
known way) it cannot represent a normal state. It
may allow for multiple versions of an activity to
exist. It is also a default to error. If it is followed
it will result in waste that may be difficult to
detect.

6. Be Complete
Why it is a must:
If Standard Work is not complete (containing all steps)
it cannot deliver the required result. To not be
complete, but appear so, can provide a false sense of
security. Standard Work may be incomplete because it
was never finished, the process was not understood or
something changed. If followed the process may fail.

7. Be Clear
Why it is a must:
If Standard Work is not clear (in understandable language
or visuals) it can not be followed correctly. What is clear
to one person may not be clear to another. We need to
ensure that users and auditors understand the Standard
Work the Same way. Extra jargon, verbose or sparse
description, or poor formatting need to be avoided.

8. Be Correct
Why it is a must:
If Standard Work is not correct (providing accurate
information and proper sequencing) it will create
error and waste. If this is not the case, adjustment
must be made and documented. This must be
followed by retaining to the revised standard.

9. Be Concise
Why it is a must:
If Standard Work is not concise it creates waste in
learning, effort, and time. The document can be clear
and correct and still not be concise. To be concise the
document should have only what is required in a usable
format. To get this element requires effort and revision.