Thursday, February 14, 2019

Why You Need A Lean Manufacturing Consultant

By Diane Foster


Companies are always looking to streamline their processes. Making sure that the resources are well utilized right down to the last bit. A lean manufacturing consultant uses tolls to identify and eliminate waste steps in the process. This is aimed at continuous improvement. The exercises are geared towards averting resources from redundant activities so that the useful ones can have a chance to work better.

One may read all about the tools and techniques applied. However, until they know what role the company internal environment plays they might not be successful. The culture of a company is important as this is where the tools will be applied. This environment actually contributes about 80% to success. This little bit of information is the reason one should outsource this. It takes years to know which tools are best applied in which kind of environment.

One of the biggest reasons to hire outside help as opposed to self-handling is an experience. These professionals work hard and long in the industry. To gain some sort of natural knack for the craft. To have the ability to apply creative solutions in addition to the traditional tools. They have undergone training. They have studied many programs. They have vast experience in the field and the experience they would bring into the company.

One may have a lot of clutter in their home. They will always find a reason to keep everything during spring cleaning. However, the minute they walk into another garage, they will notice the unnecessary things immediately. This sensei is a fresh perspective on the process. He or she is better placed to recognize the clutter. He or she will not see value in every single activity like one would. They are not sentimentally attached to anything.

When one is looking to lose some weight and possibly keep it off. They will talk to their friends who have lost weight and kept it off. They will find out how they did it. The same logic should apply here. Find companies with successful programs. Find out how success was achieved and under whose tutelage. This will help develop a very valuable list of candidates. Before one can confirm the credentials at least they will know that the prospect has had success.

There are different kinds of professionals. Processor, flow and Kaikaku. The first aimed at specific problems. The solutions will be targeted and bespoke to that specific issue. The second is aimed at whole streams or lines in processes. The last is about a general picture. The specialist looks at all processes as a whole. This will also help prescribe a set of solutions. It is better when one knows how to focus their energies.

There really is no cookie cutter approach to finding a sensei. There are no definite markers to recognize a good sensei from a bad one. Maybe use their missions to decide if he or she is fitting. The main missions are problem-solving and increase in productivity.

A very important point, good relationship with the sensei. This person will have their hands in almost everything in an organization. There is bound to be friction when one does not agree. A good relationship will ensure mutual trust and respect. All for the good of the company.




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