Pictured above: Simon Griffiths, chief executive of
MAS-WM
More than 100 manufacturers are set to benefit from a new series
of best practice workshops coming to the region in May.
Led by the Manufacturing Advisory Service - West Midlands
(MAS-WM), the interactive seminars will look to cover five key
topics to help local companies boost efficiency, reduce waste,
improve communication and increase profits.
The first event - improving productivity and value stream
mapping - kicks off on the 17th May at Stourbridge Rugby Club and
will then move on to Coventry and Cannock on the 18th and 19th
respectively.
All of the workshops, which are free of charge to SMEs in the
region, will be delivered by industry experts Oneflow and combine a
mixture of hands-on support, latest methodology and processes that
firms can take back and implement on-site.
Simon Griffiths, chief executive of MAS-WM, believes this
calendar of activity is something that local manufacturers should
take advantage of:
"We all talk about the importance of retaining and winning new
business, but, in today's competitive climate, it is equally vital
for businesses to look at the way they operate and how they can cut
costs by becoming more productive.
"The best practice workshops we are running this year have been
extended to all-day sessions to provide maximum benefit and will
feature key problem solving techniques delivered by experts who
have significant experience of working within the sector."
He continued: "Applying this initial learning has already helped
more than 300 companies secure substantial business improvements
and we expect this to continue with the latest set of
workshops."
Value Stream Mapping is regarded as an essential business
improvement tool and encourages businesses to look at the complete
cycle, from receiving the order and sorting the materials, to
manufacture and on time delivery.
It takes a look at the waste spotters guide and also illustrates
the need to carefully assess all process changes to ensure that
decisions aren't being made for decisions' sake.
The workshop will also help companies improve productivity by
introducing a generic route map to improving manufacturing
performance.
Oneflow's John Baldwin concluded: "These workshops are all about
giving companies an initial taste of different processes that can
improve their business with the view to starting them on a journey
that could also benefit from in-depth MAS assistance."
The 'Improving Productivity and Value Stream Mapping' event will
be followed by workshops covering 'Improving Workplace and
Equipment Effectiveness', 'Problem Solving', 'Teamwork and Project
Management' and 'Communication and Strategy'.
To book your place please call 0121 415 3761 or register online
at www.mas-wmonlinebooking.org. The venues are Stourbridge Rugby
Club, Cannock Cricket and Hockey Club and Coventry Rugby Club.