Introduction and challenges
For a long time, manufacturers have initiated programs to create cross-functional standards such as safety as well as standards at the business line level (maintenance, production, quality, etc.). The objective is to create a common language based on the best practices observed to 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 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 formalization and implementation of excellence standards.
In the upstream phase we:
- Identify best practices or those to be improved, in order to build a common set of rules to be implemented on production sites
- Work with teams to formalize these rules and validate them
- Implement dynamic support for sharing standards
- Define the continuous improvement structure and associated organization
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