October 08 Issue - Employee Monthly Magazine

My View

Doris Heim: Improved execution of work key to Lab's future

Photo by Sandra Valdez

Each year, every part of the Laboratory gears up in some way to determine budget possibilities for the coming year. Obtaining sufficient funds is important to every organization within the Lab. However, once the budget numbers are determined, do we work as diligently on the equally important task of maximizing the efficiency of the work executed?

In August, seven Laboratory employees became Lean Six Sigma Black Belts. These individuals' full-time jobs are to help the Lab find the optimum way to execute the work we do—whether in the science, weapons, or operations organizations. Through objective process mapping and the gathering of good metrics, we often learn that we have the ability to make or influence significant changes. Recently, a process improvement project, or PIP, was conducted on the purchase-order process. It was found that approximately 30 percent of the purchase requests had incomplete or inaccurate paperwork. By examining what was missing or inaccurate, it was determined we could provide better, easier instructions and eliminate unnecessary forms. As a result, a new tool called "procurement navigator" is being developed that will help ensure requestors know what is required and how to get the right forms. While this seems like a simple fix, without the process mapping and gathering of metrics, people from all organizations were assuming the problems were outside their area.

Since June 2006, the Lean Six Sigma organization has trained more than 250 champions, 280 Yellow Belts, 20 Green Belts, and seven Black Belts. Some of the improvements they have worked on include reducing the cost of hydro shots, cycle time for the initiation of Work for Others projects, cost of salvage operations, and improving the procurement and management of safety class items.

You can check out the Lean Six Sigma orientation training at http:/int.lanl.gov/orgs/adbs/lss to see how this new organization can have a positive effect on the Lab and your organization. You might just get inspired to join a PIP team!

—Doris Heim, associate director of Business Services