Workshop Future State

Based on the initial sort and my vision for the loft, I came up with this future state diagram. The future state includes the following:

1) addressing safety issues with banister and handrails,
2) better lighting over work areas and stairs (not pictured)
3) an open and clear working space
4) a rack and work area for bicycles, skis and surfboards
5) shelving for camping gear
6) paint to clearly distinguish where things go at a glance (standardize/simplify)

Workshop Current State - Audit

After reviewing the current state, I really wanted to measure the current state and then periodically going forward to track progress. Also, an audit can be a good tool to use to sustain the efforts, grade and maintain the workshop.

No surprise here. Scores are based on level of effort/achievement for each of the 5S's and Safety.

0 = zero effort/achievement
1 = slight effort/achievement
2 = moderate effort/achievement
3 = the minimum or acceptable level of effort/achievement
4 = sustaining Level 3 for 4 consecutive quarters
5 = sustaining Leve 3 for 8 consecutive quarters

Still working on the inventory entry. Man, there's a lot of stuff I didn't know I had! ;)

Workshop Current State - Loft Floor Inventory Cut 1

Here's my first cut at getting a grip with what's on the floor of the loft. The pictures definitely do wonders for recognizing what's what and where.

Also this view helps me to start "sorting" thru the piles without actually lifting anything. Maybe call it "pre-sort" or first cut or first pass.

Next, I'll log all of the items into a spreadsheet by name and quantity.

Workshop Budget

We live on a parcel of land with a 100 year old house. Lots of wood, nails, metal, glass - all kinds of stuff were left here when we bought the place. So while it may be easy for me to find something that will work some with straightening or some milling, I will have to purchase some things new - like plywood, electrical fixtures, and paint. I'd like to keep the loft and stairs budget less than or equal to $500.oo in materials. And if I stick to my scope and mantra - reduce, reuse, recycle, I have a good shot at meeting or coming under budget. Note: I'm not charging for labor and I'm doing all of the work myself. Success is the reward - something that usually doesn't fly in the corporate world where everything is driven by the line item totals, perception and politics.

Workshop Scope

After reviewing the current state of my shop, I realized I best chunk the work up into small, achievable efforts. [In the business world, we may develop the MGPP - multi-generational project plan.] Completing small efforts builds momentum, keeps the coffee hot, and the work in the forefront of my mind. Small successes build excitement as well, to the point where we can't wait to get back into the shop and tackle the next effort.

I chose to focus on the loft and stairs due to the safety issues I mentioned in the Workshop Case. Also, budget really influences scope. For example, I can't rebuild the entire loft from scratch; too costly. But I can certainly shore-up the existing structure for way less money and still achieve my goals.

Workshop Current State - More Loft

+Poor organization leads to long lead times for getting ready for a weekend of fun and adds to Dad's stress level.

Workshop Current State - Loft, Top of Stairs

Location: loft, view from top of stairs

+Spotlight at the right height for cracking foreheads
+High potential for tripping, pulling a muscle, damaging something fragile, straining
+Where did I put that widget?