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

  • Safe Edition 9 to 10 Conversion Course- Delivery via Zoom

    Live Online +1 more
    Virtual Event

    Safe Edition 9 to 10 Conversion Course Delivery via Zoom What Will I Learn? Key changes in SQF Edition 10 How to assess your current SQF system for compliance Ways to update procedures, records, and food safety programs How to identify and address implementation gaps Steps to build an Edition 10 transition plan How to prepare for future SQF certification audits Best practices for continuous improvement and food safety culture Description This conversion course aims to help food manufacturers and processors understand, evaluate, and implement the changes introduced in SQF Edition 10. The workshop provides participants with a structured approach for transitioning existing food safety and quality management systems while maintaining compliance and audit readiness.  Participants will examine the revised requirements of SQF Edition 10, identify how the changes affect current programs, and learn methods for updating procedures, records, verification activities, and management system practices. The course emphasizes practical application, helping attendees assess their organization’s current state, identify gaps, prioritize actions, and develop an implementation plan tailored to their operations.  Through discussion, examples, and guided exercises, participants will gain confidence in interpreting the new requirements and preparing their facilities for future SQF certification audits. Special attention is given to integrating Edition 10 expectations into existing food safety systems in a way that supports continuous improvement, operational efficiency, and a strong food safety culture. Who Should Attend? This course is intended for SQF Practitioners, food safety and quality professionals, operations managers, internal auditors, and others responsible for maintaining or supporting SQF-certified food manufacturing and processing facilities. Prerequisites Participants should have a working knowledge of SQF Edition 9 requirements and experience with food safety management systems.  This course is not intended as an introduction to the SQF code and systems. Costs and Discounts: $225 per participant 10% multiple attendees from discount available 10% Idaho Manufacturing Alliance members discount available Instructor This […]

    $225
  • Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) IHA Certified- Workshop Delivery via Zoom or In-Person

    University of Idaho – Twin Falls Research and Extension Center 315 Falls Ave, Twin Falls, United States

    Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) IHA Certified – Workshop Delivery via Zoom or In Person About the Course: Our class is accredited by the International HACCP Alliance and meets the requirements […]

    $600
  • Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) IHA Certified- Workshop Delivery via Zoom or In-Person

    University of Idaho – Twin Falls Research and Extension Center 315 Falls Ave, Twin Falls, United States

    Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) IHA Certified – Workshop Delivery via Zoom or In Person About the Course: Our class is accredited by the International HACCP Alliance and meets the requirements […]

    $600
  • Implementing Safe Quality Food (SQF) Systems- Workshop Delivery via Zoom or In-Person

    University of Idaho – Twin Falls Research and Extension Center 315 Falls Ave, Twin Falls, United States

    Implementing Safe Quality Food (SQF) Systems- In Person or via Zoom What Will I Learn? SQF Code and Vocabulary. Food Sector Categories. Food Safety and Quality Plans. Implementing and maintaining SQF systems. Requirements for SQF Practitioners. Description The first step in achieving and maintaining SQF Certification is to understand the SQF Food Safety Code for Manufacturing.  This class is designed to fulfill the training requirements to prepare individuals to take the SQF Practitioner test.  All SQF-certified sites must have at least two SQF Practitioners overseeing the SQF Food Safety System.  However, industry best practice is to have several Practitioners to ensure management commitment and coverage of the entire SQF System.  This hands-on workshop uses the official SQF training material but adds real-life practical advice to fulfill the requirements of the code.  Students will get a manual with the slides, a practice test, and an attendance certificate with the SQF Institute logo, our logo, and license number.  This course is recommended for sites seeking certification, maintaining certification, or anyone interested in learning more about the SQF program and certification.  To attend the training students must have had previous HACCP training approved by International HACCP Alliance or equivalent. Walk Away With: An examinee guide and sample SQF Practitioner exam questions. Training workbook, with extensive notes, to use during the course and on the job site. Who Should Attend? This course is recommended for all personnel wanting to become SQF practitioners, personnel responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining the company’s SQF systems, owners and company leaders wanting in-depth knowledge and the SQF program, and supporting employees, managers, and others overseeing the SQF process. Costs and discounts: $600 per participant 10% multiple attendees from discount available 10% Idaho Manufacturing Alliance members discount available Instructor This […]

    $600
  • Implementing Safe Quality Food (SQF) Systems- Workshop Delivery via Zoom or In-Person

    University of Idaho – Twin Falls Research and Extension Center 315 Falls Ave, Twin Falls, United States

    Implementing Safe Quality Food (SQF) Systems- In Person or via Zoom What Will I Learn? SQF Code and Vocabulary. Food Sector Categories. Food Safety and Quality Plans. Implementing and maintaining SQF systems. Requirements for SQF Practitioners. Description The first step in achieving and maintaining SQF Certification is to understand the SQF Food Safety Code for Manufacturing.  This class is designed to fulfill the training requirements to prepare individuals to take the SQF Practitioner test.  All SQF-certified sites must have at least two SQF Practitioners overseeing the SQF Food Safety System.  However, industry best practice is to have several Practitioners to ensure management commitment and coverage of the entire SQF System.  This hands-on workshop uses the official SQF training material but adds real-life practical advice to fulfill the requirements of the code.  Students will get a manual with the slides, a practice test, and an attendance certificate with the SQF Institute logo, our logo, and license number.  This course is recommended for sites seeking certification, maintaining certification, or anyone interested in learning more about the SQF program and certification.  To attend the training students must have had previous HACCP training approved by International HACCP Alliance or equivalent. Walk Away With: An examinee guide and sample SQF Practitioner exam questions. Training workbook, with extensive notes, to use during the course and on the job site. Who Should Attend? This course is recommended for all personnel wanting to become SQF practitioners, personnel responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining the company’s SQF systems, owners and company leaders wanting in-depth knowledge and the SQF program, and supporting employees, managers, and others overseeing the SQF process. Costs and discounts: $600 per participant 10% multiple attendees from discount available 10% Idaho Manufacturing Alliance members discount available Instructor This […]

    $600