Lean-n-Food

Small batches and clever use of space for great flexibility

365 bakeriesMay 9, 2018

THE LEAN BAKERY – In this episode of our video series, we visit 365's super-lean workshop, where small batches and a clever use of space allow for unprecedented levels of flexibility in manufacture.

Our editor sits down with lean farmer Ben Hartman

InterviewsApr 25, 2018

Ben Hartman

INTERVIEW – Ben Hartman has used lean in his micro-farm in Indiana for six years. Not only did he find in it a way to support his family doing what he loves, he might have also discovered how to transform our food system.

How we grew using less resources than ever before

365 bakeriesApr 18, 2018

Juan Antonio Tena

THE LEAN BAKERY – In the fourth episode in our video series, the CEO of 365 explains how lean showed him that his business could grow (exponentially) without using any extra resources.

This bakery found out how inspiring lean books can be

FeaturesApr 5, 2018

Stephan Drees & Norman Faull

FEATURE – How reading lean books empowered people and transformed the managerial culture at an industrial bakery in the Western Cape Winelands in South Africa.

How the 365 bakeries improved service to clients with lean

365 bakeriesMar 2, 2018

Aida Llevot

THE LEAN BAKERY – In this video, a shop coordinator explains how the 365 bakeries were able to speed up service to customers and ensure product quality by reorganizing work and responsibilities.

Visit the stock-free workshop of our lean bakery

365 bakeriesFeb 12, 2018

Jesus Marquez

THE LEAN BAKERY – In the second video in the series, we visit the stock-free workshop of one of 365's lean bakeries and learn about quality bread, customer focus and making lives easier for bakers.

Managing a chain of 100 cafes in Barcelona with lean

365 bakeriesJan 23, 2018

Emi Castro

THE LEAN BAKERY - For the past decade, lean has fuelled the growth of a chain of cafes/bakeries in Barcelona. With 100 now open, the Retail Manager explains how lean helps them manage a booming business.

How lean management saved a butcher’s shop in Botswana

Case studiesDec 11, 2017

Heinrich and Lydia Badenhorst

CASE STUDY – Faced with complex logistics and customer complaints, a small deli and butchery in Botswana saw in lean a way to bring the business back from the brink. The philosophy didn’t fail them.

How lean coaching changed the culture of a restaurant chain

FeaturesAug 23, 2017

Jeff Zhou

FEATURE – An approach based on coaching and experiments is transforming the way restaurant chain Xibei works with its people to improve service and dishes: the story of Chef Liang and his Kongfu fish.

The importance of transparency: lessons from a food scandal

Lean-n-FoodSep 30, 2016

Boaz Tamir

OPINION – When do our mistake become an ominous sign that we are giving up on our customers and people? Following the salmonella contamination in cereals in Israel, the author reflects on business purpose and the importance of transparency.

The future of agriculture – Jim Womack visits a lean farm

Lean ManagementJun 28, 2016

Jim Womack

WOMACK'S YOKOTEN – Lean in agriculture might still be in its infancy, but there is a small farm in Indiana that is already proving how valuable lean principles and techniques can be to this industry.

Bringing lean principles to restaurant kitchens

InterviewsJun 6, 2016

Richard Vellante & Peter Doire

INTERVIEW – An American group of restaurants is experimenting with the application of lean thinking in its kitchens and dining areas. Planet Lean had a word with the chefs to see what’s cooking.

All by Yourself? Find Your Lean Trojan Horse

FeaturesDec 15, 2015

Rob van Gorkom

FEATURE ARTICLE - Sometimes, introducing lean thinking in an organization can make you feel lonely and hopeless. This article, which draws on the author's experience working with a chain of supermarkets in Siberia, offers some tips on what to do to start off a lean transformation.

Chinese restaurant chain Xibei adopts the lean methodology

Case studiesOct 22, 2015

Jeff Zhou

CASE STUDY – An entire restaurant chain going lean is not something you see every day. Coming all the way from China, Xibei's story of cultural change will inspire you to never forget the fundamentals of lean, from standardization to quality.

The amazing growth of a chain of lean bakeries in Spain

365 bakeriesJul 16, 2015

Roberto Priolo

CASE STUDY – A very lean system that runs like clockwork and constant attention to customer service enable Barcelona-based 365.café to achieve the impossible: supplying 55 bakeries out of a 650-sqm factory.

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