World Trade Centre (WTC) organized a webinar on World Class Manufacturing (WCM), with Consoul Associates as the Knowledge Partner, on October 29, 2021. More than 200 people across the industry, including SME owners and supply chain professionals, attended the event to listen to the experts.
FAQs on WCM Implementation
Q: How to change the mindset of SME owners to think of world-class when they are struggling day today?
Ans: The mindset can change only if benefits/rewards are visible. Hence, just start off with the measurement of one KPI, preferably one has most impact on cost or revenue. Once the results are evident, the organisation will have the confidence to take the next step, and that will keep the ball rolling and the mindset would change in due course.
Q: Does SMEs have the financial support and strength to go for WCM?
Ans: WCM tools don't need any financial support, except for the initial need to bring in an expert to initiate and have processes rolling. Meanwhile, the internal team can be upskilled to continue with the process changes.
Q: Would it be better to combine TOC and Lean together?
Ans: Both tools help us to improve our capacities/reduce costs and which tool to choose depends on the objective we set for ourselves. Both can go hand in hand too, but it's better to start with one, to keep ourselves focused.
Q: During the time of uncertainty will JIT work or not?
Ans: If the uncertainty means the disruptions due to the present pandemic, yes, the JIT will not work during the present crisis. But in normal conditions, if uncertainty prevails then that's the starting point for JIT. Address the uncertainty using a proper tool/framework, start addressing the challenges that get exposed during the study in a systematic approach, then we can achieve JIT.
Q: Would like to know how's the new manufacturing techniques going to help our sick MSMEs.
Ans: The manufacturing techniques help us to inculcate a culture of continuous improvement in a focused way, which eventually helps to improve our cashflow, bottom line and customer base by establishing a USP for ourselves.
Q: How to get and retain talent in small companies?
Ans: The reward system, responsibility and accountability have to be aligned with the individual's capability, which would help us retain talent. Needless to say, it starts with the selection process itself. If needed, it is always better for an SME to hire an HR consultant to set up and standardize the recruitment process in the early days itself.
Q: How to implement the changes with limited resources?
Ans: Don't wait for the right moment, just start working on changes, even if small, with a clear objective and plan. To start with, its always advisable to take the help of a lean consultant to establish processes, create a roadmap and handhold the implementation. External consultants bring in vast knowledge, experience and expertise that can help you get the ball rolling
Q: How to measure the impact of the changes?
Ans: Measuring the current state, and comparing it with the future state, will help us identify the impact of change
Q: Brief on Dashboard which can be created by Excel
Ans: Its a broad question, Excel has enough capability to create measuring tools and dashboards to start with and it depends on KPI we want to measure. As the size of data increases, we may have to migrate to a suitable tool like an ERP.
Consoul's offerings for SMEs
Fed up with current factory performance?
Frustrated with mangers failing to deliver on objectives?
Frustrated by levels of waste and rework, or just concerned about rising raw material costs and excess inventory?
Or perhaps you already know you want to implement Lean, and want a way to execute so it pays for itself quickly.
Our Services
With extensive knowledge of regional and global manufacturing processes and technologies, we tailor the lean journey for your company taking into account its customer demands, environmental factors, leadership commitment, competence levels and skills within the organisation and the supply chain.
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Opportunity Assessment and Value Stream Mapping
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Lean Manufacturing Implementation
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Quarterly Audits and Kaizen Events
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HR Transformation
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Evaluation and selection of digital tools like ERP, CRM and HRMS
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Project Management for the implementation of ERP
Success Story
Lean Implementation for Plastic Moulding Manufacturer
The client is a leading manufacturer of plastic furniture, crates, drums and, pails. The manufacturer was experiencing poor operating results and struggling with frequently missing commitments in the market in spite of high finished goods inventory.
Approach & Solution
Consoul team assessed existing inventory controls, product costing and processes to determine the level of accuracy and controls over the information and the quality of the output as a basis to make decisions. We reviewed the company’s product mix related to its costs to determine the profitability of different segments of the company based on product type. Read More..
Contact Us
(+91) 9495780370
(+91) 9072256810
Thapasya Building, Infopark, Kochi - 682030