Pictured above: Simon Griffiths, Chief Executive of
MAS-WM
Manufacturers are being urged to tap into a trio of specialist
workshops this month aimed at helping them introduce new products
quicker and more effectively.
The free-of-charge seminars, which are being funded by the
Manufacturing Advisory Service - West Midlands (MAS-WM), are
looking to engage with more than 100 firms from across the region
and take in venues in Stourbridge, Coventry and Cannock on the 8th,
9th and 10th of February respectively.
Delivered by lean manufacturing specialists Oneflow, they have
been designed to provide companies with a step-by-step guide to
cutting out problems associated with new model introductions, not
to mention a number of tips designed to reduce lead times and save
costs.
Andy Taylor, who will be leading the sessions, explained:
"Ten years ago companies were faced with perhaps annual new
product launches. The reality today is that this happens on a
sometimes continual basis, with upgrades, changes in specification
and a greater variety of models."
He continued: "This causes manufacturers numerous headaches and
can be an expensive and time consuming exercise, especially if
things aren't planned right and mistakes are made.
"What these workshops will do is explain why most 'change
points' go wrong and how to adopt a 'best practice' approach that
introduces changes effectively into your business.
"Through the interactive nature of the session we'll be able to
equip delegates with skills that they will be able to take back
into the workplace."
The seminars, which are free to attend, will cover a host of
different topic areas including the key steps of planning for
success, importance of cross functional teams, phase-gate reviews
and selecting the right metrics.
Giving delegates an initial insight into product introduction is
the main emphasis, with firms then able to speak to a Manufacturing
Advisory Service Adviser about the possibility of more in-depth
support to assist with their activities.
Simon Griffiths, Chief Executive of MAS-WM, added his support
for the trio of events:
"This is a great example of designing a seminar that directly
meets the needs of our manufacturing base. The way industry has
changed means more and more companies are realising the need to add
more products/variations to their offer, yet a number fall foul of
the complexities.
"We've listened to companies about this issue and have got in
experts to deliver an initial snapshot of what they can do to
reduce lead times on new models and, importantly, make sure the
process remains profitable."
There is one more workshop left in the 10/11 calendar, with
'Superior Strategy and Lean Leadership' taking place in March.
Next year's programme starts a month later, featuring more than
30 seminars that will support in excess of 700
manufacturers.
Key topics will include improving competitiveness, developing
skills to tackle new and changing issues, managing change and lean
implementation.
To book your place at one of the workshops, email
masworkshop@oneflow.co.uk or contact Richard Milham on 0121 415
3761