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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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.