Marketing
If transforming your company into a lean, efficient, clean running company was painless, then all businesses would do it. Every organization would run more effortlessly sans waste and continue to save cash while making good parts. But it isn’t simple, it takes effort and if it wasn’t difficult, then it wouldn’t be referred to as work. The issue is that any business can run lean and transform into an efficient machine that uses less and produces more, but it will take some effort, some time and a vow to change. It takes the readiness to change, to adjust and torecognize what works and what doesn’t work. One of the most tricky aspects about change is in fact admitting that there has to be change and if you are willing to try, to move towards something superior, then the first step is taken. And whilst the noticing and identifying the need for change is good and very important, it doesn’t mean that the work is completed. The first thing to grasp is that waste comes in various forms and there are such things as obligatory waste and that there is no way to get rid of it completely. You have to recognize the different areas that you will need to change and hunt for the largest opportunities for success. Where is the largest waste and what kinds of changes can be created? Next you will have to ask the question of whether or not the changes will make a large enough difference. Will the changes made be cost effective? In other words, will all the effort that you are going to put toward altering the method or the system be worth it in the end? You can make an educated guess or just a guess in order to decide. Or you can go forward and implement the changes and trust it all works out in the end.
The very best way is to make a plan and map out the variations, taking measurements and making calculations and estimates of how the changes will affect the process. This way, you will be able to make an even more educated guess and show what you anticipate will happen throughout your presentation to whoever will be making the final call on the implementation of change. That is the only method that the changes will be approved and accepted. You must encourage those opposed or unsure of the usefulness of the changes that they are needed in order to develop and compete in the marketplace. You can only do this if you have evidence that the changes will be beneficial and that there is a map in place to get you there. There is a way to build these plans and to get the most ideas for your money. You have to include more than just those that are in management. Finally,once you have shown that there is a plan and that the changes will succeed if carried out the way they are drawn up, it is time to start on the actual changes.
