Introduction and challenges
For a long time, manufacturers have initiated programmes to create cross-functional standards such as safety as well as standards at the business line level. The objective is to create a common language, develop capabilities, implement best practices supported by data and improve performance.
There are two challenges. First of all, how to ensure that a knowledge base of common, shared practices is built, guaranteeing everyone’s buy-in. Secondly, how to ensure that this knowledge base will evolve over time and that practices are gradually updated. To meet the first challenge, the method of knowledge, data/information gathering and sharing is key. Wanting to go too fast or being too ambitious, leads to potential failures and a lack of buy-in from teams. To meet the second challenge, it is essential to implement a robust and flexible continuous improvement structure. Each company has its own model.
How can we help
Argon & Co supports its clients throughout their projects, from the identification of best practices to the formalisation and implementation of excellence standards.
In the upstream phase we:
- Baseline the performance in a diagnostic data-driven way so leaders can get clarity on what needs to be changed
- Identify best practices (supported by data) or those to be improved, in order to build a common set of rules to be implemented on production sites
- Work with teams to formalise these operating rules and validate them
- Implement dynamic support for sharing operating standards
- Define the continuous improvement structure and associated organisation
In the downstream phase we:
- Monitor the implementation of best practice and support change
- Implement “Top Down” and “Bottom Up” processes for reporting improvements
- Train and coach continuous improvement teams