Topic(s)
- Operations improvement
Struggling with delays, overproduction, or constant firefighting? This hands-on workshop will teach you how to turn chaotic processes into smooth, efficient workflows using lean flow principles. Through interactive simulations with cubed blocks, you'll learn to reduce waste, balance workloads, and optimize flow. Participants will complete at least four rounds of exercises, applying Jidoka, JIT, and Heijunka to refine processes. By the end, you'll be equipped to facilitate this simulation in your own facility, driving sustainable improvement.
- Identify and eliminate inefficiencies like delays and overproduction
- Learn to visualize workflow and balance demand with capacity
- Apply lean flow principles through hands-on simulations
- Understand and implement Jidoka, JIT, and Heijunka in process improvement
- Develop skills to facilitate flow simulations in your own facility
- Gain practical experience in line balancing and continuous improvement techniques
The activity uses cubed blocks to demonstrate how bottlenecks and machine flow operate, as well as how to optimize the flow. At least four rounds of simulations will be conducted. 50% will be in the interactive component.
Our mission here at Ultradent is to improve oral health globally through science, creativity, and education. We strive to provide clinicians with progressive and trustworthy solutions while always respecting the patient and promoting their well-being.
Our core values of integrity, care, quality, innovation, and hard work influence every decision we make and every product we create. It is these core values and our focus on continuous improvement that has helped us grow into the global dental supply and manufacturing company we are today. https://www.ultradent.com/
Jason Baller is a dedicated professional with a robust background in leadership, aviation, and continuous improvement. With over a decade of experience in both military and civilian sectors, Jason has honed his skills in managing multimillion-dollar assets and driving operational excellence.
Jason's career began with distinguished service in the U.S. Army, where he excelled in logistics and warehouse operations, earning recognition for his meticulous attention to detail and leadership abilities. His military tenure culminated in an honorable discharge with accolades for his contributions.
Transitioning to civilian roles, Jason thrived as a helicopter pilot, navigating complex missions and ensuring safety during operations. His tenure in aviation included pivotal roles in flight instruction and management, overseeing flight schools, and mentoring numerous instructors and students.
Currently serving as a Continuous Improvement Black Belt at Ultradent in South Jordan, UT, Jason leads initiatives in lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies. He is instrumental in orchestrating Kaizen events and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement across manufacturing and business units.
Jason holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and an MBA from Western Governors University, underpinning his strategic insight and business proficiency. Additionally, he is a certified Black Belt, demonstrating his expertise in driving efficiency and optimizing processes. 
Austin Barney grew up in New York and now resides in Utah with his wife and two children. He has a deep passion for sports, especially baseball, and enjoys spending time outdoors. With experience in retail, psychology, and manufacturing, he has developed a diverse skill set across multiple industries. For the past five years, Austin has been dedicated to the Continuous Improvement field, recently earning recognition as a Shingo Alumni. Currently, he is working toward achieving a Six Sigma Black Belt to further enhance his expertise in process optimization. Since joining Ultradent in December 2024, Austin has been committed to driving operational excellence and efficiency.
