Operations

Manufacturing

The team that produces your products.  Nothing special needed here - just training, consistency, and clear communication.  That's the key in most situations - explain what you plan to do - then do it.  You'll be amazed at the results.

Procurement

Along with your Quality team, this group can have one of the biggest impacts to your efficiency and your bottom line.  

It will start to sound like a broken record, but consistency and clear communication will win the game.  Don't jump from one supplier to another for a few cents.  Build long-term relationships with trusted suppliers.  Work together to fix problems, improve quality and delivery, and the value will follow.

Service

Even more than your Engineering team, this group IS the face of your company for your customers. 

Your customers bought your product.  Great!  Now they're having some trouble.  Maybe something simple that you know how to correct.  Maybe a new issue that will require some investigation by your best technicians.  

Either way, great communication by your Service team will save the customer and help you build a better product in the future.  Take care of them.  Listen to them.  We can show you how.

Shipping & Receiving

OK, so this group doesn't sound very glamorous - and they aren't, but they are key to the smooth in and out flow of materials and products that keep your operation running smoothly.

Go and see. Talk with them.  What are their pain points?  Is it that new ERP system that isn't setup correctly or those new scanners that don't hold up in the environment?

Find out.  And remember - just because you don't hear them complaining every day, doesn't mean they don't have important things to say.

Warehouse Management

Whether it's the janitor, the CEO, or your most important customer - when someone walks through your warehouse, they should be thinking, "WOW!  This company really has it together.  Just look at how clean and well organized this place is!"  Additionally, a clean, well-organized facility will improve material movement, safety, and inventory counts.

Anything less, will leave everyone wondering about the focus of management.  Go take a walk and see for yourself.  The Japanese have a word for this, "genchi genbutsu".  It means "go and see".  Don't take someone's word for the condition of your pride and joy - go and see for yourself.  You'll be happy you did.

Facilities

Definitely not the glamorous group.  They have to deal with the worst of the worst: clogged drains, leaking roofs, slippery sidewalks on the coldest days, and often after hours or on holidays - when everyone else is home enjoying their family and barbeque.

Again, listen to them.  Support them.  Because without them, no one will be able to effectively do their job within the facility.