2008 saw us in the middle of training classes. We learned the concept and value of several Lean "tools" including workplace organization, value stream mapping, and reduction of other non-value added activities. During the year we re-vamped nine manufacturing departments to reduce waste of materials and labor.
Now we look at the savings of materials and labor allocated to your jobs, as your savings! The two greatest eye openers for Strata management were
- how accepting our employees were to these new ideas, and
- how completely Lean principles apply to our office & customer service processes -
all critical parts of the business equation.
Yes, we became "Lean Practitioners"!
2009 has brought several new levels of Lean practices & commitment to Strata Design. We are participating in a 5-company "Lean Consortium" formed by NMC Training & Research. These manufacturing firms - from various industries in the 4-county area - have identified key employees who will work together to achieve "Lean Champion" status this year.
This is the first such group with this level of manufacturing training in the country! We anticipate that the five companies will have formal monthly meetings throughout 2009 to achieve this highly regarded status. During this part of the "journey", we know that our group will also identify and accomplish other "Best Practice" business goals. And the result will be a strong network of like-minded problem solvers that have each other on "speed-dial".
Yes, good for our Customers, our Employees, and our Vendors!
So stay tuned for more reports on our "journey" as 2009 marches on. Our next report will be how we are implementing the efficiency opportunities identified by our Value Stream Mapping work.
