Everywhere you look there are signs of doom for Canadian Manufacturing. The unemployment rate, companies moving or going out of business seems to be a common theme. However, we have is an increase in manufacturing output.
How are manufacturing jobs disappearing and output increasing?
Investment in the business
Take a look around. Businesses that are investing in themselves will have staying power. Those that do not are going to be left behind, wither and die.
How is your company doing?
People
We often hear that people are the greatest asset of the business. What is the game plan? When asked to see or inquire about how they are advancing their employees; you get blank faces. A constant learning environment must be established.
The learning environment includes:
- How individuals interact with and treat one another.
- How information is conveyed
- Internet
- Intranet
- Meetings
- Teams
- Postings
- Knowledge of individual contributions
- Strengths and Weaknesses
- Recognize how individuals learn (Example: Millennials do not get information from an authority figure.)
- Customize leaning for individuals
Process
Look at your process from a newborn perspective. Inquire and explore why things have to happen in a certain way. Break every step down.
Kipling wrote:
I keep six honest serving men. They taught me all I knew. Their names are What and Why and When And How and Where and Who.
Query your people with questions and listen.
- If they had more time, what would they work on?
- What is the biggest challenge?
- What is bugging them?
- Are you happy?
Machine
Keep up on the latest machine innovations for your industry as well as others. Know the limitations of each machine. Table new concepts to your learning environment.
If you are to fix the machine then ask
- Is this the first time this has happened? Will it happen again?
- How long did it take to troubleshoot the problem?
- Is there something we can improve upon?
- How can this knowledge be shared with operators, maintenance, management?
Automation
There is a reason that this is last on the list. Automation can stand by itself, but it really requires an understanding of each of the items mentioned above before it is successful.
You must understand your people, process and machine before automation can prove to be an asset.
Automation, people, process and machine innovation can happen. It is up to you.
If you have any questions or need further information, please contact me.
Thank you,
Garry
Reference:
Statistics Canada for Manufacturing
https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/en/subjects/Manufacturing
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