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Evolutionary Solutions: Tracks to Run On
March 10, 2014 |Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
What is a System?
A system is a group of related parts that move or work together. Within an organization, many different systems exist. Management must take a look at each of the existing systems, and assess actual versus desired results. Having the right systems in place leads to operational excellence. Examples of common systems in manufacturing include quality, technology, and operational.
When issues arise, it is tempting to implement solutions aimed at the symptoms, rather than determining the root cause. But seeing the issue in relation to the entire system will determine the root cause and result in more long lasting solutions. Fixing a symptom or problem in isolation can contribute to decreased teamwork and lower morale because the solution does not consider other departments and the impact to their processes.
Following a system results in greater short- and long-term success because it provides a track for employees to follow. Systems must be in place, effective, and continually improved to create operational excellence in state-of-the-art companies; deviations or processes outside of the system results in delays and increased costs.
How Do You Develop Systems?
Most likely your organization already has systems in place and you are looking to develop them further. Understanding the different types of common systems and some tips for effectively implementing systems will help you to see your own systems in a realistic light and see which opportunities exist.
Quality systems typically develop when an organization seeks industry certifications. Informal systems may exist prior to the certification; however, the certification standards provide a framework for a strong quality system. Based on your customer base and the industries you serve, you will determine the best certifications for your company and then develop your system to match the standard. All quality systems are in place to ensure that the product shipped to the customer is consistent and built according to the customer standards.
Technology systems provide communication and automation for an organization. Tracking quality data and work in process are two standard areas technology systems make a difference. Collecting data related to defects, first pass yield, machine downtime, and other qualitative items allows the organization to determine opportunities for improvement. Analysis and corrective action are easier to affect when the data is accessible and timely. And automation of simple processing steps creates results that can be duplicated. Automation also creates efficiencies and cost savings that can help with profitability and customer cost reductions.
Technology systems automate activities enabling people to make better and more consistent decisions. Enterprise resource systems (ERP) make sense for the business side of the organization. For manufacturing processes a system like Aegis offers a comprehensive materials, manufacturing, and quality package. Research available options for your industry, obtain references, and work to implement the right system for you.
Operational systems are the organization’s unique manufacturing processes. For example, a contract manufacturer takes build documentation and turns it into a functioning product. This is a complex process with many variables. It takes many people, activities, and decisions to make it happen. And whenever you have many people, activities, and decisions, there will be mistakes and/or problems that occur. The right team is flexible and extremely capable of solving problems when a mistake occurs. However, when the right systems are in place fewer mistakes occur and the process for resolution is improved.
How Do You Continually Improve Systems?
Once a system is developed, operational and effective, dynamic organizations will continually look for opportunities to improve upon it for even better results. Improvement may be triggered by a problem and the accompanying solutions addressing root causes. Or improvement may happen proactively when a company culture encourages suggestions and innovation.
Systems give an organization tracks to run on keeping the product moving forward with the right quality. So all efforts directed at improvements at the systemic level have more of an impact that efforts aimed at symptoms or surface level issues. Prioritizing projects and resources to attack problem areas timely and directly is the best strategy.
Some best practices for improvements include establishing and using metrics to make decisions. Ask lots of questions to get to the system level and take action at this level. Foster a culture of improvement so every person on the team is seeking improvement and not just managers. Recognize improvements no matter how big or small the impact to the bottom line. Empower others to be innovative. Invest in technology to create strong automated systems. Don’t be afraid to ask for help by seeking consulting services or learning best practices from other companies in your industry.
What Now?
Informal systems are created in all organizations. Decide now to be intentional about creating the right formal systems in your company and improving them ongoing to achieve your strategic objectives.
State of the art facilities are one essential indicator of the EMS providers’ ability to produce state-of-the-art products to be used around the world. State-of-the-art organizations effectively develop five critical areas including people, building, equipment, culture, and systems. Each of these areas interrelates to drive results that serve customers.
Strategically developing and executing your company plan is critical for EMS providers. Building your state-of-the-art company on a rock solid foundation sets you up for a future of serving customers’ evolving needs and staying on track.Karla Osorno is business development officer for EE Technologies, Inc., an EMS provider delivering complete engineering and manufacturing services with locations in Nevada and Mexico. With education and more than 20 years' experience in finance and operations, Osorno drives completion of projects in marketing, business development, operations, and process improvement. Her passions are to educate and empower others to make changes and a daily difference in the world. Contact Osorno here.