Comprehensive
production optimisation.
- Better control & optimisation in operations
- Visual management of standards & processes
- Continuous improvements
- Reduction of throughput times
- Streamlining & quality improvements
Systemic approach to operational
control and optimisation.
Shopfloor management is a systematic approach and set of principles used by companies to control and optimise activities in production or operations. It involves the coordination, monitoring and improvement of various processes and tasks within a manufacturing or production environment. The main goal of shop floor management is to improve efficiency, productivity, quality and overall performance in the day-to-day operations of a facility.
Key components of shop floor management
- Visual management: Using visual aids such as charts, graphs and displays to make information easily accessible to all employees. This helps with quick decision making and promotes a transparent working environment.
- Standardised work: Introduce and maintain standardised procedures and processes to ensure consistency, reduce variation and improve production predictability.
- Daily meetings: Regular short meetings, often referred to as “daily huddles” or “daily stand-ups,” where team members and supervisors discuss goals, challenges and solutions. These meetings facilitate real-time communication and problem solving.
- Gemba walks: The practice of executives and managers going to the place where work is done (Gemba) to observe, talk to employees and get first-hand information about the processes.
- Continuous improvement (Kaizen):Promoting a culture of continuous improvement by empowering employees to suggest and implement small, incremental changes to processes to increase efficiency and quality.
Benefits of shop floor management
- Increased productivity: By focusing on standardised processes and continuous improvement, shopfloor management aims to increase overall productivity by minimising waste, reducing downtime and optimising workflows.
- Improved quality: Standardised workflows and regular checks lead to improved quality control and therefore fewer errors and higher customer satisfaction.
- Empowered employees: Shop floor management encourages employee participation in decision-making and problem-solving. This promotes a sense of personal responsibility and employee commitment.
- Shorter lead times: Efficient and standardised processes help to reduce lead times and enable a faster response to customer requests and market changes.
- Cost savings: By eliminating waste, improving efficiency and better utilisation of resources, shopfloor management can contribute to cost savings for the company.
- Cultural change: The introduction of shopfloor management principles often leads to a cultural change within the organisation that emphasises teamwork, communication and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Shopfloor management is a comprehensive approach that combines visual management, standardised work, regular communication and continuous improvement to optimise manufacturing processes. Its impact is far-reaching, affecting productivity, quality, employee engagement and overall company culture. Implementing effective shop floor management practices through KEY VALUES can enable organisations to achieve sustainable success in a highly competitive business environment.