Manufacturing simulations are a proven method for identifying and fixing process and people issues in a replica manufacturing environment. Simulations are typically run over a day, or longer when part of a comprehensive manufacturing excellence program such as ProEdge or ProVantage. They are a great way to build understanding - participants learn by doing, with low risk and results are delivered quickly.
To distil the core elements of a manufacturing simulation, QMI Solutions now offers the Rapid Manufacturing Simulation (RMS) which can be completed in two hours. The RMS demonstrates the key concepts of Lean and manufacturing excellence via a hands-on, customisable and practical application
Designed for groups of ten people, the format includes four six-minute sessions. Participants first experience a production facility with poor layout and material flow, too much work in progress, some people working much too hard (while others are working on the wrong things), and poor visibility of customer orders. Of course, the supervisor does a fine job of managing the chaos, but it’s a stressful and difficult job – just like real supervisors.
After each session, the performance of the system is recorded, analysed and discussed. Not surprisingly, attendees identify strongly with many of the issues. Applying the tools one a time gives the opportunity to understand each concept in a short period. Layout and material flow, bottlenecks, line balancing and kanban pull systems are all applied.
QMI Solutions conducted the first RMS at LEP Colour Printers based at Caloundra and feedback from the first graduates was extremely positive – many reported that they finally understood the company direction, what needed to be done and most importantly, why?
LEP Colour Printers CEO John Bromfield says, “our people could see exactly how things go wrong and how the ideas to fix them actually work. The simulation was really valuable for our company because it allowed people to see what we are trying to achieve.”
Scott Breust is a Principal Development Officer at the Sunshine Coast office of the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation, which providing funding for the launch day. He says “we were really happy to support the introduction of this type of hands-on exercise. Many of our clients want to develop their people by training and demonstrating best practices and this simulation allows companies to do this for all of their people.”
QMI Solutions runs Rapid Manufacturing Simulations regularly as public events or the can be run in-house tailor-made to suit your business.
For further information:
+61 7 3364 0700
info@qmisolutions.com.au