The Tools

What is Lean AI?

Building human capability to adapt the organization at the speed of customer change.

Lean AI leverages large language models to deliver conversational coaching around proven lean frameworks. These tools embed the steps, questions, and thinking patterns of specific practices into guided dialogue, creating faster feedback loops and always-available access to structured methods.

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Explore the Lean AI Portal

A collection of conversational AI tools, each designed around a specific lean practice, to help you build capability faster through guided, structured dialogue.

Art Smalley

Built & Approved by Art Smalley

Art Smalley is one of the first Americans to work for Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan, learning directly from mentors trained under Taiichi Ohno. Every tool in the portal is either built by Art or meets his standard for faithful application of lean methodology.

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A3 Problem-solving

Master the standard 8-step problem-solving process with active coaching.

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Job Instruction (JI)

Learn how to instruct so people can do their work correctly and safely.

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Job Relations (JR)

Develop effective leadership relationships and handle problems fairly.

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A3 Problem-Solving Coach

"Step 1: Clarify the Problem. What exactly is happening versus what should be happening?"

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Explore Job Methods (JM) and 5-Why Analysis in the full portal

smart_toy Not a replacement. An accelerator.

These tools aren't designed to eliminate the human coach. They're designed to:

  • check_circle Extend access to expert-level guidance between coaching sessions
  • check_circle Reinforce learning through practice
  • check_circle Create faster feedback loops than traditional training alone allows

See the Tools in Action

Watch how conversational AI coaching guides you through structured problem-solving, step by step, question by question.

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Building human capability to adapt the organization at the speed of customer change

Bring Lean AI to Your Organization

We're working with organizations to explore how lean practice and AI can work together, helping teams develop strategy and leverage AI to build real capability.

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From Capability to Transformation

While AI tools can accelerate individual learning, enterprise transformation requires strategy. The Lean Transformation Framework provides the structure for aligning purpose, process, and people development across your organization.

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