World Class Manufacturing is an over used term that came out of a very real desire amongst manufacturers about ten years ago, to understand the processes used and measure the best manufacturers in the world and then simply take steps to get up there with them. The process used was (and still is) to measure the best in the sector, establish a benchmark and put the plans in place to get close to the benchmark. The good thing about world class manufacturing is that it acted as a wake up call to manufacturers. Denial also crept in as some manufacturers doubted the benchmark and the subsequent comparison with their own operations, and I still find this even today. What also emerged was that the world class benchmark didn’t remain static, as the best in class were continuing to improve. Have a look at the Manufacturing Norms facility on this site and access some benchmarks for window fabricators.
Lean Manufacturing is the term given to the phenomenon described above where manufacturers are continuing the improvement process even when they are the ones setting the benchmark. Lean Manufacturing is simply the creation of an environment in which manufacturing costs and wastage are continuously driven down (no leaning on your shovel). If you can involve everyone in the company and put some simple processes in place then you will find the results stunning. What is crucial, though, is that you sweep away any thought in the minds of your people that looking for improvement implies criticism. It is not just for the big boys, your company is a perfect size to embark upon a lean programme. I do need to impress one really important point and that is lean manufacturing is not about buying sophisticated machinery it about using your existing resources to the achieve the optimum result.
You can get more details of how to get into lean manufacturing by going across to the think pieces on this site, namely:
Also available to help you to get started are:
- Courses on lean manufacturing aimed specifically at fabricators
- Audit your company and help you to reap the benefits from lean manufacturing
- Work on a one to one basis with your key people to establish lean processes and importantly, to address your key issues and problems.
If you want more details then use the e-mail facility on this site or call David Amos or Helen Ahearn on 01453 521621
