Its Time To Stop Putting Off Projects That Can Help Your Business

There are projects that seem to get put off year after year even though they could really help your production and your efficiency. These projects could be anything from rearranging the tool room and the storage are, to putting your materials closer to the point of use through some kanban system. It could involve getting your suppliers to help put a system in place and it could require shutting things down for a few hours.

These hurdles are all reasons not to go ahead with the project and they are all excuses for why things never seem to change. Maybe this is the year to go ahead and make the improvements and to get the ball rolling. After all, not getting these things done is only hurting your productivity, growth and the continuous improvement that makes your business better.

Sometimes you and your workers are so used to working around a problem or some other obstacle that you almost forget it is there. You may be so accustomed to it that you almost forget about it and it's been years since people have complained about it. It has become just another part of daily life and is just the way things are. Maybe it's time to fix the problem this year and make it go away forever.

To be truly effective, you must start by eliminating waste that are currently hurting your business. If employees have to work around something to the extent that it slows down everything else it is a waste. It could mean that you do not have enough space or things are not being made in the most efficient way.

If you have to travel half-way between the plant to obtain a tool that is used often, doesn't it make more sense to keep the tool closer to the person who needs to use it? Just because it's always been in the closet next to the manager's office does not mean it should always be there. Just by saving a few minutes of walking every day, it can lead to more hours of productivity every week. How often will Joe go get the tool every day and how much time does he spend talking to Veronica on her way to do this? Not only is walking a to get the tool a waste, but everything that happens on the way to do it, every distraction that captures the attention of workers is wasted time and money. Something so simple can make a huge difference in productivity.

If you are looking to become a six sigma black belt then you should log onto mbajournal.org. On our site you will be able to find information on all available six sigma certification.