Being Successful When Your Business Is Branched Out

One thing that has become popular in business, and especially prevalent in manufacturing is the disconnect between the processes. In the past the manufacturer had everything under one roof. The manufacturing was carried out at the facility, but also the research and development and the packing and distribution. All facets, from start to finish were completed under one roof, with team members able to speak with each other face to face. The engineer that drew and designed the part could communicate directly with the technician that was making the part on the other side of the plant. They could work together in the same room, at the same workbench to solve any issues that could possibly come up. The technician would build the part and the engineer could look at it straight away and make any changes or revisions.

Now, that same engineer would never talk to another person. The technician is gone, replaced by a machine that the engineer only needs to e-mail the file to and the computer will do the rest. The part can be packaged and shipped directly to the engineer’s office without a person ever touching the part. There are more specialized companies working around the larger companies, supplying them with completed parts to be put to use in the final assembly. These satellite companies will do all the work that the large company once did for itself.

In several instances, the larger companies don’t even produce anything anymore. They simply design and market the products while other businesses do the actual manufacturing. Many times this manufacturing is done in another, cheaper country and the finished product is then brought back to the United States to be used in another assembly or sold as complete.

There has to be ways to compete better with this international work force. One of the best ways is to raise efficiency. It has long been understood that what you could purchase American made and it will be far superior to anything that you can get from the Far East. It was just more expensive. But often, the expense isn't as substantial as it might appear.

Purchasing a higher quality product which is made better and free of defects always cost less in the long run than buying a poor quality part only based on price. However, that is how people purchase nearly everything these days. It's all price based and quality has become less important.

When taking on a project within your agency, 6 sigma can offer tools for a successful venture. By having a six sigma black belt on your team, you can ensure a successful venture.