Continuous improvement sounds like a no-brainer. Whether we\u2019re talking about footy training, your kids\u2019 maths homework, or your business, constantly getting a little bit better is a good goal.<\/p>\n
So, what does it mean for Aussie manufacturers?<\/p>\n
Continuous improvement is an area of Lean management that looks at processes, systems and assets which can be incrementally improved.<\/p>\n
The job of continuous improvement is never finished.<\/p>\n
Whether you\u2019re a big business, SME or start-up, it\u2019s essential not to rest on your heels.<\/p>\n
But while the goalposts move every time you reach a target, the benefits keep building.<\/p>\n
And here\u2019s the good news: with an ERP system made for manufacturing<\/a>, designing and implementing a continuous improvement program becomes significantly easier.<\/p>\n Around 22% of manufacturing industry employees in Australia are unsatisfied<\/a> in their job. While another 52% reported being \u201csatisfied\u201d, only a quarter could say they were very<\/b> satisfied at work.<\/p>\n That was pre-pandemic. Now, as the AFR reports<\/a>, workers value culture, job security and the big one, flexibility.<\/p>\n Continuous improvement programs address these issues by:<\/p>\n Survey after survey lands at the same conclusion that workers who are more productive and feel supported in their roles will be less likely to quit.<\/p>\n A continuous improvement program enables productivity and flexibility that keeps people motivated and happy.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s look at a hypothetical. A forklift driver notices a chronic problem in the warehouse. Too much low-value material is hogging valuable storage space. Rather than getting fed up, she takes her concern to management, who listens to her suggestions for a better ordering system.<\/p>\n Soon, the ordering problem is solved with an agile approach, and the forklift driver is satisfied. Management acknowledges her contributions, and everyone is happy.<\/p>\n Continuous improvement is a great way to innovate incrementally. In line with Lean methodology, implementing a continuous improvement program ensures every level of the business is on the lookout for those small and medium wins that add up to huge gains:<\/p>\n You can read more about Lean principles in our previous blog.<\/a><\/p>\n As well as making manufacturers more competitive, continuous improvement \u2013 and an ERP like Jobman \u2013 enables better customer interactions.<\/p>\n We discussed the Lean concept of value-added vs non-value-added activities<\/a> in an earlier blog.<\/p>\n A continuous improvement program is an always-on approach to seeking out value-adding opportunities and spotting waste in the production process.<\/p>\n Knowing your customer means better customer relationships. Better relationships boost sales.<\/p>\n With Jobman\u2019s CRM features<\/a> and a continuous improvement program, your customers are sure to see value in what you do.<\/p>\n The final benefit brings it all together. Because continuous<\/i> improvement isn\u2019t just a one-off, your customers need to see a steady increase in value over time.<\/p>\n By applying continuous improvement, you\u2019re challenging your sales and service teams to listen more closely to customer feedback. That feedback is translated into a value-adding opportunity, the customer receives better service, rinse and repeat, and your business flourishes.<\/p>\n Jobman provides all the data, insight and analytics you need to recognise the improvement potential in your business. Right across the production process, Jobman has features designed to improve manufacturing methods<\/a>.<\/p>\n1. Increased workforce engagement<\/h2>\n
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2. Reduced staff turnover<\/h2>\n
3. More competitive products and services<\/h2>\n
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4. Improved customer service<\/h2>\n
5. Build a proactive learning culture<\/h2>\n
Jobman: an ERP for continuous improvement<\/h2>\n