March PDM

In the new economic environment we are experiencing, there is no room to have processes that are not streamlined, integrated and waste free.  While it is easy to find materials to learn about Lean, having an opportunity to experience Lean is how to best understand the skills needed to develop a lean program and to learn how to use lean tools to optimize the learning process.  Utilizing a short simulation, you will see how to effectively use a Value Stream Map as part of your Kaizen event to improve processes within your company.

Takeaways:  Participants will

1.      Learn how to Value Stream Map

2.      Learn how to utilize a Value Stream Map to identify waste

3.      Determine how to prioritize your Kaizen events

About the Speaker:
Janet Steiner Soukup is President of Red Fox Farms, Inc., which owns 600 acres of farm land in two states, and is responsible for land acquisition, sales, and daily operations. She was Director of Distribution and Logistics at Westell Technologies, Inc. prior to retiring in 2008. Leadership responsibilities there were warehousing, shipping, customs, transportation, and inventory control functions. Ms. Steiner has experience in corporate mergers, sponsoring and leading LEAN implementation projects, and managing inventory control processes.  She implemented a cycle count program that eliminated annual physical inventories. Inventory was reduced by 76%. Prior to Westell, she was Production Planning Manager for Ace Hardware's Paint Manufacturing Division. She has functioned as a system analyst and as an accountant.

Ms. Steiner's broad range of experience applies to process improvement initiatives, and Enterprise Resource Planning system implementation. She is CPIM and CSCP certified.

Ms. Steiner is active in the Association for Operations Management (APICS) previously serving on the Board of Directors as Vice President of Customers and Regional Vice President.  She regularly speaks at APICS meetings, topics includes Bills of Materials, Cycle Counting, and Women in Operations Management.  She also presented workshops on "Making Your Cycle Count Really Count" at the 2011 APICS International Conference and "Reaping Lean Rewards" at the 2010 APICS International Conference.