10: PRIOR ACTION
Prior Action is the practice of performing necessary steps, movements, or arrangements in advance, before they are actually needed, so that when the time comes for the main action, it can be executed instantly, safely, and without delay—it is the ultimate elimination of waste and bottlenecks.
This principle is expressed in three common moves:
•
Perform the required change of an object (either fully or partially) before it is needed (e.g., pre-cut parts)
•
Pre-arrange objects or systems so they can come into action from the most convenient place and without losing time for delivery;
•
Pre-load the system with energy, data, or materials before the main operation starts;
Why "Prior Action" creates innovation?
When you do the difficult work before the problem even starts, you unlock speed and precision:
1.
Higher speed and productivity: zero wait time for critical steps means faster throughput and shorter lead times.
2.
Improved safety: hazards can be dealt with in a controlled environment before the 'high-pressure' main task starts.
3.
Better precision and quality: pre-arranging items or data ensures that the final assembly or operation is done correctly every time.
4.
Lower complexity: fewer things to manage during the main operation because they are already 'sorted'.