We are in 21st century and it has gradually become one of the most competitive and tough times to compete in the market and sustain your place. Manufacturers nowadays face various problems and difficulties in sustaining their growth in this constantly changing industrial world. Operational Excellence is the key to tackle such obstacles in the present era. However, operational excellence alone in the production processes will not be able to change the course of the organizational journey altogether.
For a complete deviation towards excellence, organizations must start changing themselves right from the bottom, from their work culture and lean manufacturing does the same! It changes the maintenance and operations processes from a reactive center to a proactive aspect in the manufacturing process thus ultimately increasing efficiency and productivity.
How to sustain the cultural change?
- Ingrain pro-activity in status quo
To sustain the cultural change, one should start changing their mentality and thinking processes about maintenance and operations. One should be proactive in the maintenance processes and should anticipate it rather than waiting for the scheduled maintenance or for the machine to breakdown before turning an eye to it.
- Move around and see
Lean manufacturing is a collective effort and should be assessed by everyone. Moreover, one should go out and analyze the processes, systems and controls to find the root cause of the problem and create a counter plan to eliminate it from the manufacturing processes. Maintenance and operations both need to go hand in hand to achieve balance in the processes.
- Continuous improvement
Continuous improvement is not always a high costing process. Keeping the balance between maintenance and operations can also be achieved through data analysis. Data can assist the leadership in curating many frameworks that will ultimately add value in the product or to the customers. Small initiatives on individual levels can also inflict change in the working culture of the organization.
- Appreciation
Teams managing operations and maintenance also play a crucial role in keeping the organizational processes aligned with the lean practices. Hence, it is very important to respect the team members and appreciate their efforts occasionally to keep them motivated and encourage them to do more and better.
- Take the team together
Nothing can be done or achieved alone, and the leadership has to understand that. Teamwork can create wonders and push the organization to new heights. Taking the team together in every situation throughout the journey will not only help in achieving the desired goals and objectives but will also increase harmony between the team members which will ultimately add value to the organization.
Change management processes are difficult to handle and sustain. Cultural change can play an influential role in creating as well as clearing the oath for the organizations to achieve excellence and attain continual and sustainable development. Organizations must shift themselves from being reactive to proactive to end their transformation journeys on a successful note.
Written & Compiled by Faber Kishlay & Faber Mayuri
