Operational Improvement

Initial review

Initial ½ day review meeting with South West MAS specialist to discuss and prioritise opportunities in the business and establish an internal team to work with and carryout improvements. Companies need to be SME’s to qualify for subsidised support.

Project scoping and approval

The South West MAS specialist works with you to scope the project in more detail and agree how South West MAS could support the Lean activity. This would cover the following project details:

• Scope -Description of areas to be covered and priorities of the project. Will include resource allocation and team/personnel to be committed.
  

• Benefits -Expected measurable business results usually based on QCD (Quality Cost and Delivery).
  

• Project timescale -Period over which the activity is to be carried out. Number of days over which assistance is expected to last.
  

• Barriers to success/risks - Stresses the commitment the company & South West MAS must provide in leadership and support.
  

Project implementation

SWMAS specialists or agreed external provider will work with you to assist with the implementation of the agreed project. Support can take several different forms; typically:

• Onsite training -Teaching and implementation of specific skills and tools with shop floor operatives, office staff and / or team leaders. This would include subjects such as 5S, SMED and Value Stream Mapping. 

• Coaching and Mentoring -Providing backup to production managers and team leaders looking to implement change themselves but wanting some independent advice or support.
  

• Rapid improvement workshop - Intensive work over a short period of time to effect a rapid change, often related to factory moves, new machinery or product or significant issues such as quality problems.
  

• Lean office -Lean principles have been traditionally focused on shop floor improvement but the manufacturing shift towards high variety and low volume production is testing established office practice to its limits. Lean principles are increasingly applied in the office often before the shop floor, particularly in the advanced engineering / subcontract manufacturing environment. 

Project review

On completion of the project, a follow up visit is made to review success and establish any further opportunities for improvement.

Not sure where to start or what support you need?

The MAS provides a free on-site review to help identify key challenges and opportunities for growth. Email us, or call 0845 608 3838 for further information.