From offices in Boise, Post Falls, Twin Falls, and Pocatello, TechHelp Specialists help Idaho manufacturers, food processors and entrepreneurs improve their competitiveness through continuous product and process innovation.

Lean Transformation is a continuous improvement methodology that empowers employees to create customer value and cut waste. In today’s highly competitive global market, few firms survive by wasting time, money, and resources or by having had poor customer service. The illustration below features the interrelated disciplines that combine to create a sturdy “House of Lean”. 

What Are Wastes?

  • Any non-value-added activity
  • Adds problems
  • Adds time to the process
  • Interrupts the flow of value/information
  • Should be minimized or eliminated

The 9 Wastes of Lean Include:

  • Defects – All processing required in creating a defect and the additional work required to correct it.
  • Over-production – Producing some type of work prior to it being required or more than is required.
  • Waiting – Waiting for anything (people, signatures, information, supplies, etc.).
  • Non-Value-Added Processing – Putting more work or effort into the work required by internal or external customers.
  • Transport – Excess transport affects the time of delivery of any work in the office.
  • Inventory (Time) – Excessive piles of paperwork, computer files, supplies, and time spent searching for documents.
  • Motion – Any movement of people, paper, and/or electronic exchanges that do not add value.
  • Employees’ Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities – The under-utilization of people’s knowledge, skills, and abilities.
  • Energy and Environment – The unnecessary use of energy and the release of substances into the air, land, or water.

TechHelp has helped with Lean Transformations at Idaho organizations such as:

These companies win business by continually adding value to their products and services.

Contact any member of our Operational Excellence Team or complete a short form to request a free site visit & assessment of your operation.

Upcoming Workshops & Events

Event Series Project Management Program

Project Management Program

Boise State University 1910 University Drive, Boise, ID, United States

This program introduces current and future project managers to skills, tools and techniques that they can use in any project to improve their ability to manage the project successfully. This four-part program concentrates on providing participants with proven ways to manage the scope, schedule, and resources of a project.

FREE webinar on the Build America, Buy America Act

Live Online

Join us on January 23, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (MST) for a FREE virtual webinar on the Build America, Buy America Act (BABA), hosted by TechHelp and Iowa State University’s Center for Industrial Research and Service. Learn about BABA requirements, certifications, compliance strategies, and key differences from Buy American standards. Gain expert insights from a government contracts attorney to enhance your compliance knowledge. Don’t miss this opportunity—register now!

Site Tour | Greyloch | Star

Greyloch

Greyloch is a family-owned advanced cabinet manufacturing facility located in Star. They are dedicated to delivering the highest quality product while minimizing waste and product lead time.

IMA Site Tour | TratFab | Star

TratFab

TratFab is a family business located in Star, Idaho. It specializes in providing top-tier steel fabrication services tailored to residential and commercial projects.

Manufacturing Career Connections

Boise State University 1910 University Drive, Boise, ID, United States

This event is designed to help students connect with industry professionals and learn about the vibrant manufacturing sector in Idaho. Small to medium sized manufacturing companies are encouraged to participate.

Event Series Project Management Program

Project Management Program

Boise State University 1910 University Drive, Boise, ID, United States

This program introduces current and future project managers to skills, tools and techniques that they can use in any project to improve their ability to manage the project successfully. This four-part program concentrates on providing participants with proven ways to manage the scope, schedule, and resources of a project.

Monthly National Supply Chain Insider

Live Online

Join Idaho Manufacturing Alliance and TechHelp every month! Our supply chain duo, Luke Fuess and Heather Hill, will provide insights for current or open opportunities to keep your business ahead of the curve.

Principles and Practices of Internal Auditing

Live Online

Internal Audits are a requirement of all GFSI approved certification schemes (e.g. SQF, BRC, FSSC 22000, etc.) and many 3rd party audit programs. Internal audits allow you to audit your facility for gaps and compliance. They are an important tool in the ongoing food safety toolbox for any food manufacturer, packager, and warehouse and distribution company.

$300

Third Annual Field to Fork Festival

Jack’s Urban Meeting Place 1000 W Myrtle St, Boise, United States

A day packed with a trade show, educational talks, chef-led classes, and networking opportunities, featuring roughly 100 participants from Idaho’s independent food and beverage industry.

Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) IHA Certified

Live Online +1 more

Our class is accredited by the International HACCP Alliance and meets the requirements of NCIMS, FSIS, and GFSI (e.g. SQF, BRC, FSSC22000, etc.) certification requirements. In class, you will understand the 5 pre-steps and 7 principles in creating a facility-wide food safety plan. You will get templates and example food safety plans to build or revitalize your current HACCP plan. The curriculum is designed with practical advice from industry experts. If you haven’t taken a HACCP class in a while, it is a good idea to have a refresher course. If you are new to HACCP or food safety plans, this class will give you the basics you need to know to get started. This class does require a project to fulfill the course requirements. This class fulfills the training requirements for SQF, BRC, or other GFSI-approved certifications.

$600