As I have outlined in previous articles, the success of Toyota and other world-class manufacturing organizations is based on creating a continuous improvement culture. One key element to achieve this culture is proper training and education. The mistake most organizations make is rolling out training at the management level, hoping to instantly create the kaizen culture. In the eyes of the factory floor workers, it is just another system imposed on them. Training and education needs to be conducted at every level of the company.
One of the fundamental pillars of the Toyota Production System is very simple: continuous improvement, getting to the root of the problem, and respect for line workers. This system taps into the knowledge and insights of the team members. The team members receive continuous training and are given responsibility. This respect for the worker is a key to gaining their involvement in continuous improvement.
My company recently completed a training project that is a prime example of this type of culture. The client decided to invest in 5-S training at the line level. The company is located in Southern California and has a predominately Hispanic workforce. A decision was made to conduct the training entirely in Spanish, including all training material. Training was conducted in groups, with each group representing a different product line. Each week, a different group of line workers was involved in classroom and “hands on” factory floor training. The workers viewed the training as a sign of respect, and word soon spread throughout the plant. As training progressed, the excitement built and the results were amazing. As training commenced for the last group, we noticed numerous improvements had already been implemented on that product line. The excitement has since spread into all areas of the organization as everyone looks for ways to improve his or her workplace.
This is just one example of a trend I see at many organizations. In the eyes of everyone involved, the company is making an investment in him or her. The results the company realizes are higher quality, increased production and better employee morale. The walls between management and the worker are torn down, and continuous improvement becomes a way of life.
When a company begins a lean training program, the key to success is to get everyone within the organization involved. Develop a company-wide training and deployment plan that will build excitement and create a continuous improvement culture.
About the author:
David McBride is co-founder of EMS Consulting Group (http://www.emsstrategies.com), a Carlsbad, Calif.-based engineering and management consulting firm. David has a bachelors of science degree in mechanical engineering from Ohio State University. He has a successful track record in the development and implementation of Failure Modes and Effects Analysis and Design for Manufacturability programs at several organizations and has greatly reduced manufacturing costs through the utilization of lean manufacturing, kaizen events and manufacturing system analysis. He has also been highly successful at developing and executing new product introduction processes, and staffing and capital equipment plans. To contact David about this article, send an e-mail to davidm@emsstrategies.com.