Visual Workplace Management

One of the most effective ways to drive manufacturing excellence is by using the Visual Workplace Management (VWM) process. This is because VWM starts with having a clear understanding of the businesses strategies and key objectives and having alignment of these at all levels in the business.

The businesses supply chain is defined into Mini Businesses and each Mini Businesses objectives are aligned directly to support the overall businesses objectives. Each of the Mini Businesses then meet daily to review their progress in achieving the goals which are measured in terms of Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost & People (SQDCP). The meeting also reviews solutions to problems, employee skills development, innovation, internal supply/customer relationships as well as leadership and coaching issues within the team.

The daily meeting provides the engagement of employees as well as the sustainability of the CI process. As the skills and commitment of the teams develop they are then introduced to Lean Tools that will best add value to their process and directly impact their (SQDCP) measures. The Mini Business teams meet daily, weekly, monthly and annually to review their results and to interact with other Mini Businesses. The simplicity of the VWM process in linking Manufacturing Excellence through employee engagement is why it is successful in providing a sustainable CI involvement and improved company performance.

Complimenting the introduction the VWM process, the Mini Businesses are introduced to the 5’S program to focus their work area on house keeping, safety, ergonomics, waste and general efficiency of their Mini Business. 5’S is a building block with other lean tools to improve maintenance, safety, quality, set up & change over times, WIP as well as employee morale. The 5’S program is normally introduced 6-8 weeks after setting up the Mini Business Teams.

 

Our recommendation to clients is for the following program to drive their Manufacturing Excellence Program:

  • Visual Management Program
    • Define business strategy & key objectives (Management engagement)
    • Aligned Mini Business SQDCP targets to support key objectives
    • Train Mini Business Team Leaders & establish Mini Business teams (Employee engagement)
    • Establish daily team meetings to review SQDCP achievements
    • Develop skills & identify training needs
    • Audit and review process monthly (PDCA cycle)
  • 5’S Program (Sort, Straighten, Shine, Standardise & Sustain)
    • Introduce program to Management and Team Leaders
    • Introduce program to Mini Businesses
    • Audit & review program monthly (PDCA cycle)
  • Introduction of Lean Tools & Other Training (To support SQDCP objectives)
    • 7 Waste Program/Process Improvement
    • OEE
    • Make ready/Changeovers
    • Bottlenecks/Workflow Management
    • Kaizen Blitz
    • Customer Service
    • Leadership/Mentor Skills
    • Quality
    • Safety