The "S" is for Stupid

       There is a methodology employed in Japan called "Kaizen".  It means improvement.  This methodology is tied to just in time delivery methods and the 5S method.  Many of you know Just in Time.  It means no storage, because your deliveries arrive; just in time.  It means only scheduled downtime for production equipment.  It works very well in Japan where the culture and laws support it.  No surprise, since it was developed there.
       It fails, often and spectacularly, here.  The reason is that; in Japan a late delivery has financial consequences for the people who did not fulfill it.  Here it is just another thing that happens.  No one is punished for late deliveries.  In fact, we don't even expect anything on time.
       The 5S method (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/5S_(methodology) is the Japanese interpretation of your great-grandmother's advice.  "A place for everything, and everything in its place."  To see a work-space laid out in this method is quite impressive.  Again though, it works only in the right conditions.  Like in Japan.
       See in the factories, repair shops, and other businesses there, there are consequences to workers who fail shop inspections.  If there is something not in its marked place on a shelf, someone better have it in their hand.  If no one does, all are penalized.
       In America everyone's job is no one's job.  Apply that same standard and it falls apart quickly, because there is no penalization, nor any expectation thereof.  Instead of having one set of tools and equipment for all workers to share, we should focus on a uniquely American solution.  Or more precisely, medieval European.
       Modern union workers of all stripes can tell you the answer to this one without having to think about it, because they live it.  Each worker has their own set of tools, that they are financially responsible for.  Each worker will then take care of their equipment, and will keep track of it.  The only one who suffers when Bob loses his wrench is Bob.
       Now I wont say that this works in factories with multi-million dollar assembly robots, but that sort of thing is typically bolted down.  If it isn't, or if it is sufficiently specialist in nature, it can be signed out, and assigned to each worker, who will then be responsible for its care until returned.
       The short story is; that Japanese techniques work in Japan, because the laws, behaviors, beliefs, and social structure are what grew those very techniques.  They do not work here because we are not Japanese.  When we are forced to implement these techniques inappropriately, we do not suddenly become Japanese.  Although;
 I think I'm turning Japanese,
I think I'm turning Japanese,
I really think so.