Setting the bar We have seen so many companies where the expected performance level of the organization has not been increased in a very long time. Today’s leaders must be aware that if they don’t increase the performance expectations of their organization, most likely no one else will … [Read more...]

  Key Performance Indicators, your dashboard KPIs are essential for any business leader to know how well an operation or company is performing and where it is going. None of us would take a trip to a place we have never been before and go without a map, directions, a GPS, a fuel and … [Read more...]

  Recently talking to a business owner who told me that his plant manager was looking for someone to fill a very highly skilled position. He was in the process of creating an incentive for employees to apply and qualify for the job. When he told me this, I could not help but remember the old … [Read more...]

Recently I was sitting in a restaurant watching the manager move from one task to another like a well oiled machine. He was the back up to several servers and kept them stocked with fresh coffee in the pots, completed food orders sitting in the ready position. This all reminded me of a well … [Read more...]

A very effective cost reduction tool that we have found to be very successful for our clients in helping improve their company and work processes without any major capital investment is: Listening and talking with your employees. This tool is often overlooked or not given enough consideration … [Read more...]

1. Walk and observe the process. 2. Map the process, noting the flow of work, materials and information. 3. Collect cycle time data and lead- time to start a task. 4. Talk with those involved in the work process. 5. Listen to what is working and what is not. 6. Is the best equipment … [Read more...]

1. What indicators do you have in place to tell you and your leadership how well your organization is performing? In other words, what is on your dashboard? 2. Do you know the actual and standard costs of your products or services provided? 3. Do you know which products or services are … [Read more...]

While working recently with a manufacturing client on ways to reduce machine changeover time, we found that the machine operators spend over 50% of their time making small, finite adjustments to the machine front stops. The operators were using a tape measure and a large hand tool to adjust the … [Read more...]

If you are one of today’s business leaders, you know how difficult it is to compete against manufacturing operations outside the US. Doing so can take a tremendous effort on the part of all within the organization. I have compiled a list of key questions that can help you discern what needs your … [Read more...]

One of the most effective tools I have experienced to motivate employees and work teams are through personal recognition. Years ago I worked for a boss, Norm who sent notes of congratulations to any employee or work team whose performance for the day, week or month was outstanding. Norm knew this … [Read more...]