Lean Manufacturing - Lean Factory Tour - FastCap

Summary

This video offers a virtual tour of Fastcap's 50,000 sqt facility in Ferndale, Washington, showcasing its open layout, natural light, and stand-up desks. The company emphasizes a flexible, efficient workspace with color-coded organization and visual controls. From the graphic design area to the engineering cell and production lines, everything is designed for ease and enjoyment of work. The tour highlights Fastcap's commitment to a clean, organized, and fun work environment, with a focus on the lean methodology and continuous improvement.

Takeaways

• 🏭 Fastcap is located in Ferndale, Washington, and operates out of a 50,000 sqt facility.
• 🌞 The workspace is designed with plenty of natural light and features three large gas fans for temperature control.
• 🛠️ The office environment is characterized by stand-up desks made from Fastcap's own pipe system, promoting a dynamic work style.
• 🔄 Everything in the workspace is on wheels, emphasizing flexibility and adaptability to changing needs.
• 📦 The shipping area is color-coded by the day of the week, aiding in the organization and tracking of orders.
• 🌈 The facility utilizes color-coding for both the boxes used for shipping and the labels, streamlining the identification and retrieval processes.
• 🏡 The workplace is equipped with modern amenities like LED lighting and radiant heat, creating a comfortable and efficient environment.
• 🚀 Fastcap's production process is highly visual, with clear labeling and organization, making it easy for employees to manage tasks.
• 🛴 The company places a strong emphasis on 5S methodology, ensuring a clean, organized, and efficient workspace.
• 🎂 Fastcap fosters a fun and engaging work culture, with events like burger parties for birthdays and even synchronized dancing with dogs.

Q & A

Where is Fastcap located?

Fastcap is located in Bellingham, Washington, which is about 2 hours north of Seattle.

What is the approximate size of Fastcap's facility?

Fastcap's facility is approximately 50,000 square feet.

How many windows does Fastcap's facility have and what is their purpose?

Fastcap's facility has about 110 windows, which allow for lots of natural light to come in.

What is unique about the desks at Fastcap's facility?

The desks at Fastcap's facility are made out of their Fast pipe system and are designed for standing, promoting a flexible and healthy work environment.

How does Fastcap manage its shipping and order processing?

Fastcap uses a color-coded system based on the day of the week for invoices and boxes, making it easy to identify and manage shipments.

What is the significance of the 'grocery aisle' and 'shipping terminal' at Fastcap?

The 'grocery aisle' and 'shipping terminal' are areas where 90% of all finished products are stored and processed for shipping, highlighting Fastcap's focus on efficiency.

How does the visual control system at Fastcap assist in managing inventory?

Fastcap uses visual controls and the last five digits of the UPC code to manage inventory, allowing for easy identification and picking of products.

What is the purpose of the 'sandbox' at Fastcap?

The 'sandbox' is where Fastcap holds its daily morning meetings, with a new person leading each day, fostering a culture of engagement and continuous improvement.

How does Fastcap ensure a clean and organized work environment?

Fastcap maintains a clean and organized work environment through daily practices such as sweeping, sorting, and standardizing, as well as regular maintenance and cleanliness checks.

What is the role of the 'nudge aisle' at Fastcap?

The 'nudge aisle' is where Fastcap sorts and stores items that are no longer needed, representing their commitment to a lean and organized workspace.

How does Fastcap apply lean principles beyond the factory floor?

Fastcap applies lean principles in all aspects of its operations, including the factory floor, offices, and even in the cockpit of their corporate plane, emphasizing a culture of efficiency and simplicity.