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Guest Blog: The Hard Edge to Soft Skills

By Dr. Anthony Kenneson-Adams, FInstLM., Director of Knowledge & Learning, Project7 Consultancy

For far too long, particularly in industry, ‘soft’ skills have been seen as the responsibility of HR while the operations department, maintenance, logistics, finance etc. concentrate on the ‘hard’ skills that generate value.

As somewhat of a disruptor I take a contrary view.

Firstly, why spend any time at all on soft skills if they do not contribute to the bottom line?

Secondly, if they do contribute to the bottom line then all leadership should become expert in these soft skills and not abdicate the responsibility to HR.

It is my considered view based on 40 years’ experience that there is a ‘hard’ edge to ‘soft’ skills that is a force multiplier for success, profitability, OEE etc. that not only maximizes the potential of our business through our people, but also improves the lives of the most value-added resource in our business and that is an engaged and empowered work force.

Now whilst soft skills may not be easily quantifiable, they have a significant impact on a leader’s effectiveness and an organization’s profitability. So here is my overview of the ‘hard’ edge to ‘soft’ skills and their measurable impacts:

  1. Emotional Intelligence: Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to understand and manage one’s own emotions and those of others. Leaders with high emotional intelligence can build strong relationships, resolve conflicts, and motivate their teams effectively. Studies show that emotionally intelligent leaders foster higher employee engagement, reduce turnover rates, and improve overall team performance. Studies have also shown that Emotional Intelligence (EI) is directly correlated with promotion and building team success whereas Intelligence Quotient (IQ) shows no correlation with promotion or success.
  2. Active listening: Effective communication skills are crucial for leaders to convey ideas, expectations, and goals clearly. That said, focus on active listening, rather than talking, really listen and act on what people are saying rather than on what you think they are saying. We must give respect and quality time to each other and that starts with robust active listening.
  3. Psychological Safety: Promoting psychological safety as a leadership soft skill is crucial for creating an environment where individuals feel comfortable expressing their ideas, taking risks, and being their authentic selves.  This will not happen by accident, but it can be nurtured as part of a positive culture that shapes business.
  4. Adaptability and Resilience: In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing business landscape, leaders must be adaptable and resilient, and both adaptability and resilience are soft skills that can be learnt and developed. They both foster a culture of agility, which helps organizations respond to market shifts, maintain a competitive edge, and seize new opportunities.
  5. Conflict Resolution: Leaders who possess strong conflict resolution skills can address disagreements promptly and constructively. Effective conflict resolution minimizes disruptions, improves employee morale, and maintains a harmonious work environment. It also saves time and resources by preventing conflicts from escalating. However, nurture the skill to lead through conflict rather that establish a process to manage conflict.  It is my opinion that companies who must build a policy for conflict management (routine) rather than those who lead through it (unique) have bigger fish to fry.
  6. Customer Service Orientation: Leaders with a customer service orientation understand the importance of customer satisfaction and loyalty. By fostering a customer-centric culture focused on the ‘the voice of the customer’ and building a relationship with the customer be that external or internal, businesses prioritize meeting customer needs and expectations. This leads to increased customer retention, positive word-of-mouth referrals, and enhanced brand reputation, ultimately driving profitability.
  7. Employee Development and Coaching: Leaders who invest in the development of their team members cultivate a highly skilled and engaged workforce. Through coaching, mentoring, and providing growth opportunities, leaders improve employee satisfaction, retention, and productivity. Skilled and motivated employees contribute to enhanced organizational performance and profitability.

While the impact of soft skills may not always be directly measurable, the cumulative effect on organizational effectiveness, employee engagement, customer satisfaction, and profitability are substantial. Organizations that prioritize the development and cultivation of these skills in their leaders can gain a competitive advantage and achieve sustainable success.  In summary, put effort and intent in nurturing the hard edge of soft skills.  It is the combination of people and process that is needed to maximize business potential.

Guest Blog Series: The Journey to Operational Excellence (Post 8)

By Dr. Anthony Kenneson-Adams, FInstLM, Head of Learning & Knowledge Transfer at Project7 Consultancy

Today we present the last installment of an 8-step process to enable you on your journey to Operational Excellence.  We trust you will put these steps into action and power-up your journey to Operational Excellence.

Commit to your People:  Committing to people during complex continuous change is essential for effective leadership. Here are some practical steps to help leaders demonstrate their commitment to their people in difficult complex continuous improvement projects:

  1. Communicate Transparently: Be upfront and honest with your people. Maintain open and transparent communication with your people. Clearly articulate the reasons behind the change, the expected outcomes, and the potential impact on individuals and teams. Address concerns and questions honestly and encourage a two-way dialogue to ensure that employees feel heard and understood.
  2. Provide Clarity and Direction: Clearly define the vision, goals, and objectives of the change initiative. Help employees understand how their roles and responsibilities fit into the bigger picture. Provide a clear roadmap and milestones to guide them through the process. When people have a clear sense of purpose and direction, they are more likely to commit and actively engage in the change.
  3. Involve and Empower Employees: Actively engage employees in the change process by seeking out their input, ideas, and suggestions. Create opportunities for them to participate in decision-making and problem-solving. Empower and enable them to take ownership of their work and contribute to the success of the change initiative. This true empowerment and engagement will foster a sense of ownership and commitment among employees.
  4. Support and Resources: Remove the barriers and provide the support and resources employees need to navigate through the complexities of change. Offer training, person-centred coaching, and active mentoring to enhance their skills and competencies. Address any skill gaps that may arise due to the change and provide the tools and resources needed to succeed in the new environment.
  5. Recognize and Reward Efforts: Acknowledge and appreciate the efforts and contributions of employees during the change process. Recognize milestones, achievements, and positive behaviours aligned with the change initiative. Celebrate successes and publicly recognize individuals and teams for their commitment and resilience. Never underestimate the value of a simple thank you for a job well done. This recognition reinforces their sense of value and encourages continued commitment.
  6. Foster a Learning Culture: Encourage a learning mindset and foster a learning culture of continuous improvement. Provide opportunities for skill development, knowledge sharing, and cross-functional collaboration. Encourage employees to learn from mistakes, adapt to new situations, and embrace change as an opportunity for growth. Show a commitment to their professional development and career advancement. Ensue that everyone know that failure can be an opportunity to stretch capability and innovation.  Fail safe, fail forward and fail often.
  7. Lead by Example: Leaders must demonstrate their commitment to continuous change by leading by example. Model the desired behaviours, attitudes, and actions associated with the change. Be visible, accessible, and approachable to employees. Display resilience, adaptability, and a positive attitude, even in challenging times. Your commitment and behaviour will inspire and motivate your people to stay committed.
  8. Monitor and Address Concerns: Keep a close eye on the pulse of your people throughout the change process. Monitor their engagement, morale, and well-being. Actively listen to their concerns and promptly address any issues that arise. Provide support mechanisms, such as employee assistance programs or counselling services, to help employees cope with the stresses of change. All change can be difficult if those in the process feel they have little or no control.  Engage and empower to reduce anxiety and power forward on your journey to Operational Excellence.

By following these practical steps, leaders can demonstrate their commitment to their people during complex continuous change. This commitment builds trust, fosters employee engagement, and ultimately enables successful navigation through the change process.

If you missed last week’s post  you can read it here. We hope you have enjoyed this blog series and take the opportunity to ask us any questions or visit our guest contributor at www.Project7consultancy.com.

 

Guest Blog Series: The Journey to Operational Excellence (Post 7)

By Dr. Anthony Kenneson-Adams, FInstLM, Head of Learning & Knowledge Transfer, Project7 Consultancy

Today we present the 7th of an 8-step process to enable you on your journey to Operational Excellence.  We trust you will put these steps into action and power-up your journey to Operational Excellence.

Commit to the Tools: Commitment to using the tools of continuous improvement is essential by leaders and teams and is a major determinator of success.  To help leadership and high-performance teams commit to using continuous improvement tools in complex improvement projects, consider the following practical steps:

  1. Clearly Define the Purpose: Articulate the purpose and benefits of using continuous improvement tools in complex improvement projects. Help leaders and teams understand how these tools can drive efficiency, effectiveness, and innovation within the organization. Emphasize the value of continuous improvement in achieving organizational goals and staying competitive.
  2. Provide Training and Education: Offer comprehensive training programs on continuous improvement tools and methodologies. Ensure that leaders and teams understand the concepts, principles, and practical applications of these tools. Tailor the training to address the complexity of the improvement projects and provide real-life examples relevant to the organization.
  3. Create a Supportive Environment: Foster a culture that supports and encourages the use of continuous improvement tools. Ensure that leaders are actively involved in promoting and participating in improvement initiatives. Provide resources, such as time, budget, and access to data, to facilitate the implementation of these tools. Celebrate and recognize successes achieved through continuous improvement efforts.
  4. Align Improvement Tools with Strategic Objectives: Demonstrate how the use of continuous improvement tools can directly contribute to achieving strategic objectives. Show how these tools can drive process efficiency, cost reduction, quality improvement, customer satisfaction, or other key performance indicators relevant to the organization. Align the selection of improvement tools with the specific needs and goals of the complex improvement projects.
  5. Start with Pilot Projects: Begin by implementing continuous improvement tools in smaller-scale pilot projects. This approach allows leaders and teams to familiarize themselves with the tools, gain confidence in their effectiveness, and witness tangible results. Success in pilot projects can build momentum and generate enthusiasm for broader implementation across the organization.
  6. Establish Clear Metrics and Tracking Mechanisms: Define measurable metrics and establish systems for tracking progress and results. Create dashboards or scorecards that provide visibility into the impact of continuous improvement efforts. Regularly communicate the progress made using these tools to leaders and teams to reinforce their commitment and motivation.
  7. Encourage Collaboration and Learning: Foster a collaborative environment where leaders and teams can openly share their experiences, challenges, and best practices related to using continuous improvement tools. Encourage cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing to maximize the effectiveness of these tools. Promote a learning culture that encourages experimentation, innovation, and continuous learning.
  8. Continuously Evaluate and Adapt: Regularly review and evaluate the effectiveness of the continuous improvement tools being used. Gather feedback from leaders, teams, and stakeholders to identify areas for improvement or adjustment. Be flexible and adapt the tools and methodologies as needed to address the unique complexities of the improvement projects.

By following these practical steps, you can help leadership and high-performance teams commit to using continuous improvement tools in complex improvement projects. Ultimately, the successful implementation of these tools can lead to sustained improvement and organizational excellence.

If you missed the previous post in the series you can read it here. Also visit out main blog page to read the entire series

How to Create Project Flow: A Webinar Recap

Construction productivity has steadily declined since the 70s. The reason? Everyone lost track of production by focusing on deadlines.

When teams get too caught up in following the critical path, the project remains siloed, and handoffs are hindered.

Touchplan recently hosted a webinar entitled How to Create Project Flow | Your Schedule is Why Your Late, which examined how to balance trade production and area completion.

Andrew Piland was joined by Wane Lott of Lott Brothers Construction, where they discussed various topics, including how to create a balanced production front and a better way to look at and use Takt planning as part of construction project management.

Three main takeaways from the conversation include:

  • Using a combination of a matrix (like Clear Flow Matrix – created by Wayne Lott) and a Construction Planning System like Touchplan is an excellent way to apply Takt planning to your construction project.
  • Construction productivity has been declining over the past few decades, and this can largely be attributed to poor communication of management strategy.
  • Methodologies like Takt planning (enforced by software like Clear Matric and Touchplan) are meant to build flow into a construction project and avoid a negative vortex of delays and disorganization.

You can watch the webinar here, or if you have any additional questions, you can contact a member of our sales team.

Guest Blog Series: The Journey to Operational Excellence (Post 6)

By Dr. Anthony Kenneson-Adams, FInstLM, Head of Learning & Knowledge Transfer, Project7 Consultancy

Today we present the 6th installment of an 8-step process to enable you on your journey to Operational Excellence.  We trust you will put these steps into action and power-up your journey to Operational Excellence.

Continuous improvement: When monitoring progress in a continuous improvement manufacturing project, there are several opportunities for further improvement that you can explore. Here are some common areas to consider:

  1. Process Optimization: Analyze the data collected during the monitoring phase to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, or areas where further optimization is possible. Look for ways to streamline workflows, reduce cycle times, eliminate non-value-added activities, or improve resource utilization.
  2. Quality Enhancement: Assess the quality data and feedback received to identify any recurring defects, customer complaints, or quality issues. Implement measures to enhance product quality, such as improving inspection processes, enhancing training programs for employees, or implementing more robust quality assurance methods.
  3. Employee Engagement and Empowerment: Involve employees in the continuous improvement process by encouraging their participation, soliciting their suggestions, and empowering them to make changes. Foster a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and collaboration where employees are actively engaged in identifying improvement opportunities.
  4. Supplier Relationships: Assess the performance and reliability of your suppliers. Look for opportunities to strengthen relationships, improve communication, and collaborate on joint improvement initiatives. Consider implementing supplier development programs or conducting regular supplier audits to ensure consistent quality and timely delivery of materials.
  5. Technology Integration: Explore the use of new technologies, automation, or digital tools that can further enhance your manufacturing processes. For example, consider implementing data analytics, machine learning, or Internet of Things (IoT) solutions to gather real-time data, enable predictive maintenance, or optimize inventory management.
  6. Continuous Training and Skill Development: Invest in training programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of your workforce. This can include technical training on equipment operation, lean manufacturing principles, problem-solving techniques, or leadership development. Well-trained employees are better equipped to identify improvement opportunities and contribute to the success of the project.
  7. Feedback and Customer Engagement: Actively seek feedback from customers to understand their needs, expectations, and areas where you can improve. Consider implementing customer satisfaction surveys, feedback mechanisms, or establishing regular communication channels to gather insights that can guide your continuous improvement efforts.
  8. Sustainability and Environmental Impact: Assess the environmental impact of your processes and identify opportunities to reduce waste, energy consumption, or emissions. Implement sustainable practices, such as recycling programs, energy-efficient technologies, or lean manufacturing techniques, to minimize your ecological footprint.

Remember, continuous improvement is an iterative process, and there are always opportunities for further enhancement. By regularly monitoring progress, involving stakeholders, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, you can identify and capitalize on these opportunities to drive ongoing improvements in your manufacturing operations.

Guest Blog Series: The Journey to Operational Excellence (Post 5)

By Dr. Anthony Kenneson-Adams, FInstLM, Head of Learning & Knowledge Transfer, Project7 Consultancy

Today we present the 5th installment of an 8-step process to enable you on your journey to Operational Excellence.  We trust you will put these steps into action and power-up your journey to Operational Excellence.

Monitor progress:  Monitoring progress is a crucial step in the continuous improvement process to ensure that your implemented changes are effective and yielding the desired results. Here are some steps to help you monitor progress after implementing a continuous improvement plan in manufacturing:

  1. Define Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Identify and establish specific KPIs that align with the goals of your improvement plan. KPIs could include metrics such as production output, defect rate, cycle time, customer satisfaction, or any other relevant factors that measure the success of your improvements.
  2. Collect and Analyse Data: Implement systems and processes to collect relevant data related to the identified KPIs. This can include manual data collection, automated data acquisition systems, or even integrating data from existing manufacturing systems. Regularly analyse this data to evaluate the impact of your improvement plan on the identified KPIs.
  3. Conduct Periodic Assessments: Schedule regular assessments or audits to evaluate the effectiveness of your improvement plan. These assessments can be done weekly, monthly, quarterly, or as per your specific requirements. Assessments can involve reviewing data, conducting observations, gathering feedback from employees, and evaluating the overall progress made.
  4. Use Visual Management Tools: Implement visual management techniques such as dashboards, scorecards, or performance boards to provide a clear visual representation of progress. These tools help in tracking and communicating the improvements made and provide a quick snapshot of the current state of affairs.
  5. Involve Employees: Engage your employees in the monitoring process. Encourage them to provide feedback, report any issues or challenges they encounter, and share their observations regarding the implemented changes. Their input can be valuable in identifying areas for further improvement and ensuring the sustainability of the improvements made.
  6. Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Continuous improvement is an ongoing process. Continuously monitor progress, learn from the data and feedback collected, and adapt your improvement plan as needed. Regularly review the effectiveness of your changes and make adjustments if the desired results are not being achieved.

By following these steps, you can effectively monitor the progress of your continuous improvement plan in manufacturing and make data-driven decisions to optimize your processes further.

Guest Blog Series: The Journey to Operational Excellence (Post 4)

By Dr. Anthony Kenneson-Adams.FInstLM., Head of Knowledge Transfer, Project7 Consultancy

Today we present the 4th instalment of an 8-step process to enable you on your journey to Operational Excellence.  We trust you will put these steps into action and power-up your journey to Operational Excellence.  If you have any questions, please contact us at www.project7consultancy.com.

Implement the plan: Implementing a plan for improvement in continuous process manufacturing and construction involves executing the identified initiatives and actions. Here are steps to help you effectively implement the plan.

  1. Communicate the Plan: I have seen the power in clearly communicating the improvement plan to all relevant stakeholders, including employees, managers, and other departments or teams involved. When you ensure everyone understands the goals, objectives, and specific actions required for improvement you have a force multiplier for success.
  2. Assign Responsibilities: Assign clear responsibilities and roles to individuals or teams for executing different initiatives within the plan. Define their authority, accountability, and reporting structure. Ensure that everyone is aware of their roles and the expectations set for them.  Never assume actions will just be carried out, assign responsibilities and check for completion.
  3. Provide Resources: Your people can’t work miracles.  Ensure that the necessary resources are available to support the implementation of the improvement plan. This includes providing adequate funding, equipment, materials, technology, and any other resources required to carry out the planned initiatives effectively.
  4. Develop Detailed Action Plans: Work with the responsible individuals or teams to develop detailed action plans for each initiative. Clearly define the tasks, activities, timelines, milestones, and deliverables. Apply short interval control or Agile methodology to break large tasks into smaller manageable work packets.  Ensure that the action plans are realistic and align with the overall improvement objectives.
  5. Implement Action Plans: Begin executing the action plans according to the defined timelines and milestones. Monitor the progress closely, track the completion of tasks, and ensure that everyone is adhering to the planned activities.
  6. Monitor and Measure Progress: Implement mechanisms to monitor and measure the progress of each initiative. Regularly track key performance indicators (KPIs) and compare the actual results with the desired outcomes. Use data collection and analysis tools to gather relevant data and insights.
  7. Address Challenges and Obstacles: Be prepared to address any challenges, obstacles, or roadblocks that arise during the implementation process. Regularly review the progress and identify any issues or barriers that may hinder the successful execution of the plan. Take proactive measures to resolve these challenges and keep the initiatives on track.
  8. Foster Collaboration and Engagement: Encourage collaboration and engagement among the teams and individuals involved in the implementation. Foster a culture of open communication, encourage sharing of ideas and feedback, and provide a platform for discussions and problem-solving. Regularly update stakeholders on the progress and seek their input.
  9. Adjust and Adapt: Stay flexible and be willing to adjust the plan as needed based on feedback, insights, and changing circumstances. Continuously assess the effectiveness of the implemented initiatives and make necessary adjustments or refinements to ensure better outcomes.
  10. Celebrate Achievements and Learn from Failures: Acknowledge and celebrate the achievements and successes resulting from the implementation of the improvement plan. Always recognize the efforts and contributions of individuals and teams. A simple ‘thank you’ goes a long way.  Additionally, learn from any failures or setbacks encountered along the way. Analyse the reasons behind the failures, identify lessons learned, and use those insights to improve future implementation efforts.

Remember that implementation is an ongoing process, and continuous monitoring, evaluation, and adjustment are essential for long-term success. Regularly review the progress, evaluate the outcomes, and iterate the plan as needed to drive continuous improvement in the manufacturing process.

If you missed Post 3 the focused on plan development, you can read it here.

Guest Blog Series: The Journey to Operational Excellence (Post 3)

By Dr. Anthony Kenneson-Adams, FInstLM., Head of Learning & Knowledge Transfer, Project7 Consultancy

Developing an Adaptable & Flexible Improvement Plan

Today we present the 3rd installment of an 8-step process to enable you on your journey to Operational Excellence.  We trust you will put these steps into action and power-up your journey to Operational Excellence.

Develop a plan: Once you have identified areas for improvement in a manufacturing process, you can develop a plan for improvement by following these steps:

  1. Clearly Define the Objectives: Clearly articulate the goals and objectives of the improvement plan. What specific outcomes do you want to achieve? Make sure the objectives are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART goals).
  2. Prioritize Improvement Opportunities: Assess the identified areas for improvement and prioritize them based on their potential impact, feasibility, and alignment with the overall organizational strategy. Consider the resources, time, and effort required for each improvement opportunity.
  3. Break Down the Improvement Plan: Break down the improvement plan into actionable steps or initiatives. Each initiative should have a clear scope, defined activities, and expected outcomes. Assign responsibilities to individuals or teams who will be accountable for executing each initiative.
  4. Set Timelines and Milestones: Establish realistic timelines for each initiative and define key milestones to track progress. Make sure the timelines are achievable and consider any dependencies or interdependencies among the initiatives.
  5. Allocate Resources: Determine the resources required to execute the improvement plan successfully. This includes human resources, financial resources, technology, equipment, and any external support or expertise needed. Ensure that the necessary resources are allocated appropriately to support the improvement initiatives.
  6. Develop Action Plans: For each improvement initiative, develop detailed action plans that outline the specific tasks, activities, and deliverables. Clearly define the steps required to implement the improvement and identify any potential risks or challenges. Assign responsibilities for each task or activity to individuals or teams.
  7. Implement Continuous Monitoring and Feedback Mechanisms: Establish mechanisms to monitor the progress of the improvement plan and gather feedback. Regularly review the status of each initiative, track key performance indicators (KPIs), and compare the actual results against the desired outcomes. Collect feedback from stakeholders and engage with the teams involved in the improvement initiatives to ensure continuous improvement and timely course correction.
  8. Communication and Engagement: Develop a communication plan to keep stakeholders informed about the improvement plan and its progress. Engage and involve employees at all levels to ensure their understanding, commitment, and support. Encourage open communication channels to gather insights, suggestions, and feedback from the teams involved.
  9. Training and Skill Development: Identify any training or skill development needs that may be required for employees involved in executing the improvement initiatives. Provide necessary training or resources to enhance their capabilities and ensure they have the skills and knowledge required to contribute effectively.
  10. Evaluate and Celebrate Success: Regularly evaluate the impact of the improvement initiatives and celebrate the achieved successes. Recognize and appreciate the efforts of individuals and teams involved. Identify any lessons learned during the improvement process and incorporate them into future improvement initiatives.

Remember that developing an improvement plan is an iterative process. Regularly review and refine the plan based on feedback, results, and changing circumstances. Stay adaptable and flexible in your approach to maximize the effectiveness of your improvement efforts.

If you missed last week’s post you can read it here, and you can find all the posts on our blog page.

Prioritize Planning for Safety | How to Prevent Dumpster Fire Projects: A Webinar Recap

Failure to plan is the root of all safety incidents. Serious injury or fatality (SIF) incidents are rarely the result of one single factor. Sound planning practices find and eliminate contributing factors before the work begins.

Touchplan recently hosted a webinar on how effective planning can help reduce SIF incidents.

Andrew Piland was joined by site safety experts on Steve Jordan from Flintco and Kevin Gausch from Safety Culture to discuss how proper planning improves collaboration, streamlines handoffs, and mitigates risks.

Some of the key takeaways from the webinar include:

  • One of the most critical safety components relates to how construction leadership approaches the front line. Leaders are investing in the long-term safety of every project by listening to front-line workers and ensuring they have the resources they need to succeed physically, mentally, and emotionally.
  • Data insights are useful in anticipating safety hazards, but it is only effective if people know how to use data effectively.
  • Safety needs to be further integrated into general decision-making. Leadership and accountability are the keys to sound decision-making that properly accounts for safety.

You can watch the entire webinar here, or if you have additional questions, please contact a member of our sales team.

Guest Blog Series: The Journey to Operational Excellence (Post 2)

By Dr. Anthony Kenneson-Adams FInstLM, Head of Learning & Knowledge Transfer at Project7 Consultancy(UK) Ltd

Identifying Areas for Business Improvement

Today we present the 2nd installment of an 8-step process to enable you on your journey to Operational Excellence.  We trust you will put these steps into action and power-up your journey to Operational Excellence.

Identify areas for improvement: Once you have a clear understanding of your objectives, you need to take time to identify the areas of your business that need improvement that will drive out waste in time, effort, and materials. This can involve analysing your current processes and systems to identify inefficiencies or areas for optimization.

Here are some practical ideas to help you identify areas of your business for improvement.

I. Review Process Documentation: Start by reviewing the existing documentation related to the manufacturing or build process, such as standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and process flowcharts. Analyse the documentation to identify any potential bottlenecks, inefficiencies, or areas where improvements can be made.

II. Conduct Process Mapping: Create a process map or flowchart that illustrates the entire manufacturing process from start to finish. This visual representation will help you identify all the steps involved, dependencies, and potential areas for improvement. Also align how the process actually works with how you want it to work to ensure the process is as efficient as it possibly can be as in Value Steam Mapping.

III. Analyse Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Examine the relevant KPIs for the manufacturing process, such as production output, cycle time, downtime, quality metrics, and scrap or waste rates. Compare the actual performance against the desired targets or industry benchmarks to identify any significant gaps or areas of underperformance.

IV. Engage with Employees: Involve the employees who work directly with the manufacturing process. Conduct interviews, focus groups, or surveys to gather their insights and perspectives on potential areas for improvement. Often it is your people who have valuable on-the-ground knowledge that provide the most valuable suggestions.

V. Perform Root Cause Analysis: If you identify specific problems or bottlenecks in the manufacturing process, conduct a root cause analysis to determine the underlying causes. Use techniques like the “5 Whys” to dig deeper and understand the fundamental reasons behind the issues. Importantly ensure you are working to solve the real problem and not just the symptom to the problem.

VI. Utilize Lean Manufacturing Principles: Apply Lean Manufacturing principles and tools such as value stream mapping, 5S methodology, and Kaizen events. These methodologies can help you identify waste, eliminate non-value-added activities, and continuously improve the process.

VII. Implement Process Monitoring and Control: Establish robust monitoring and control mechanisms to track the performance of the manufacturing or building process in real-time. Use sensors, automation, and data analytics to collect relevant data and identify patterns or anomalies that can highlight areas for improvement.

VIII. Benchmark and Industry Research: Conduct research to identify best practices and benchmarks within your industry. Compare your manufacturing process to those of similar organizations to identify areas where you may be lagging behind or where you have the potential to excel.

IX. Seek Continuous Feedback: Encourage continuous feedback from stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, and internal teams. They may provide insights on areas for improvement, such as quality issues, delivery delays, or communication gaps.

x. Prioritize and Plan Improvements: Finally, prioritize the identified areas for improvement based on their potential impact and feasibility, i.e., which will best improve safety, quality, cost, delivery, and people. Develop a detailed action plan outlining specific improvement initiatives, here it is essential to assign responsibilities, set timelines, and track progress regularly.

Remember that continuous improvement is an ongoing process, and it requires commitment and collaboration from all levels of the organization. Regularly reassess and adjust your improvement efforts based on feedback and changing circumstances.

If you missed the first installment of this blog series you can read it here. We will be back next week with post #3.