Training & Development

Companies that operate in similar markets, with similar technology, of similar size etc. can and do differ widely in performance. Trying to pinpoint the differences is usually easy, but trying to determine the real causes of the differing performance is very difficult.

When technology, equipment and systems are similar, this usually eliminates ‘process’ as a variable. Which leaves ‘people’. However, the calibre of people tends to be similar, normally a mix with some competent, some very talented and the occasional a ‘square peg in a round hole’.

One more apparent variable is certainly the calibre and style of management. We have all worked for companies with MD’s with approaches from ‘just to the right of Genghis Khan’ to the ‘arm around the shoulder’ type. (If you are in management, it is often that the second type is more likely to fire you, without warning). It is also amazing how much employees will put up with at times, and how committed people really are even when very poorly managed. Empowerment is not the only approach that works – remember in a dictatorship the trains always run on time! Every situation is unique, but can always be improved.

Generalised management training is something we do not do – there are some excellent organisations with first class courses. Taking a recognised vocational qualification is invariably beneficial, even if only from sharing experiences with others in similar positions. Also, the standard and effectiveness of courses seems to be continually improving.

Short courses on specific manufacturing  management techniques - lean, world class etc. are available. They are intended as a catalyst, rather than a quick injection of ideas that will wear off.

Examples of the courses

World Class Manufacturing Workshop       

These are usually run as internal training courses, spread out over a period of time to encourage a continuity of direction, as this is fundamentally about changing attitudes, as will as providing new skills. It can be targeted at operatives, middle management, technical specialists or senior executives, or preferably everyone!.

Introducing Cellular Manufacturing

This is sometimes a follow on from the WCM Workshop, but can be a discrete course to facilitate the practical implementation of WCM philosophies. This can involve some fairly radical business restructuring, so is often used as part of a wider business improvement initiative. The idea is that the users accept the approach and begin implementing the revised operating methods at an agreed pace.

MRPII Training   

Probably the only organisation to offer MRPII training using a live system (Caliach) by providing a separate training environment, or train in house. This is general training, and is not a substitute for specific system training provided by your system supplier. It is useful in providing experience on general MRPII principles in real time where, for example, an individual or company has not used this type of system before, or to give the vital ‘big picture’ to existing users.