Jennifer Ayers, Author at NWHPEC

18Jun 2025 by Jennifer Ayers

The Bench: Lean Coffee – June 20th @1pm

June Benchmarking Discussion Join us online at The Bench for engaging roundtable discussions where members can connect, collaborate, learn, and share best practices. We’ll dive into specific topics each time we gather. We're jumping online for a Lean Coffee style benchmarking discussion.Leancoffee.org describes this meeting format as "a structured, but agenda-less meeting. Participants gather, build an agenda, and begin talking." By voting on participant-generated topics, conversations are directed and productive.Bring your "lean" related questions to the group and we'll crowd source ideas, suggestions, and answers.Register here to register and receive the meeting invite. 📅 Date: Friday, June 20, 2025 ⏰ Time: 1pm (PT) 📌 Venue: Online via Zoom - reach out to Jennifer for the registration link Open to all NWHPEC members

18Jun 2025 by Jennifer Ayers

Benchmarking + Happy Hour – July 24th

Events, Member Sharing

It’s time to connect, socialize, and network while enjoying some tasty food and beverages! Join us for either or both activities. First stop: Bob's Red Mill - 13521 SE Pheasant Ct, Milwaukie We'll engaged in a SIG style benchmarking discussion around the topic of "Overcoming Barriers to Implementation & Gaining Buy In". It doesn't matter what lean principle you're trying to implement, there are always barriers, obstacles, and resistance. Join the conversation to learn what other's have tried, and share your own stories to provide ideas for overcoming obstacles. Last stop: Portland Cider Co - 8925 SE Jannsen Rd, Clackamas Please join us. This is a great opportunity to get to know others in the consortium better and to continue geeking out on lean topics. Drop in anytime after 4pm,…

14Apr 2025 by Jennifer Ayers

Process Analysis Deep Dive – May 6-22nd (FULL)

Application~, Classes, Intermediate~, Solving Problems~

In the early 20th Century the job of process improvement was limited to a handful of industrial engineering specialists. They studied the work, organized the jobs, and told everyone else how it should be done. Today, however, we want as many people as possible - especially our front line leaders - to fully participate in process improvement; not only to help improve the work, but to develop as leaders. With these skills they can turn their challenges into meaningful action. In this course we will focus on the first critical steps of this process, "Grasp the Current Condition." This is a hands-on practicum over six sessions. In each session we will introduce a new topic, answer questions, and assign a task or exercise that deepens your understanding of that step or…

14Apr 2025 by Jennifer Ayers

Leader Standard Work – May 9th (FULL)

Beginner~, Classes, Leadership~

[Add your name to the waitlist so we can get another class on the schedule] Class Description It’s time to learn and apply Leader Standard Work to your daily routine! The true purpose of leadership is to empower and develop your employees so they can achieve awesome things. To accomplish this, you need a standard way of working that will allow you to maximize your efficiency and impact while fulfilling your most important duty to your people.As the whirlwind takes over our day, we quickly lose control of our priorities. Once we fall into firefighting mode, our ability to improve and sustain processes and activities becomes secondary. This is where Leader Standard Work (LSW) comes into play. LSW is the foundation to creating new leadership habits that will allow you…

14Apr 2025 by Jennifer Ayers

Benchmarking Tour @Owens Corning – May 13th (FULL)

Events, Learning Tours

Host company: Owens Corning is a leading manufacturer of roofing shingles, underlayment, and components, offering systems that not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of homes but also provide long-lasting durability and a variety of options to suit different projects. Their commitment to quality ensures that customers receive roofing solutions that are both reliable and visually appealing. The Portland roofing plant is one of thirteen facilities across the United States. At Owens Corning, Our People Make the Difference, Portland was recognized by the Asphalt Roofing Manufactures Association for our commitment to Safety last year. Owens Corning earned the 2024 Women’s Choice Award as America’s Most Recommended Roofing Products. Tour Summary Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at Owens Corning, where innovation, technology, and frontline engagement are actively redefining the future of…

14Apr 2025 by Jennifer Ayers

The Bench: Impact of tariffs – May 15th

Benchmark Request, Member Sharing

May Benchmarking Discussion: Impact of tariffs Join us online at The Bench for engaging roundtable discussions where members can connect, collaborate, learn, and share best practices. We’ll dive into specific topics each time we gather. This month’s benchmarking session will explore the ongoing impact of tariffs to your organization. Join the conversation to hear how other organizations are navigating these challenges and share your own strategies for moving forward. This is an open “SIG-like” roundtable discussion. 📅 Date: Thursday, May 15, 2025 ⏰ Time: 1pm (PT) 📌 Venue: Online via Zoom - reach out to Jennifer for the registration link Open to all NWHPEC members Registration link

14Apr 2025 by Jennifer Ayers

Building Your Lean Management System – April 2, 16, & 30th (FULL)

Application~, Deploying Strategy~, Developing People~, Events, Intermediate~

Reach out if you want to join the waitlist. Join us for this 12-hour Lean Management System workshop, spread out over five weeks to provide a fully immersive experience where you design your pilot program, tweak, or revamp your existing LMS. Summary Most initial attempts at lean and continuous improvement focus on tools and improvement events (aka kaizen events). Unfortunately, after a while, people notice that the “lean journey” has lost most of its momentum, energy, engagement, focus, and breakthrough results. The lean management system (LMS) is a framework for building a culture of continuous improvement and shared learning. Its focus is on developing people to solve problems to improve performance. In this environment, improvement is not driven by a few lean champions but by everyone. Now everyone has a…

Author: Jennifer Ayers