Operations Management
Operations consulting is crucial because it helps organizations improve their efficiency and effectiveness, translating into tangible benefits like cost reduction and increased profitability. In today's competitive environment, companies must do more with less, and we provide the external perspective and specialized expertise to identify inefficiencies that internal teams may overlook. We focus on the core processes of a business, from manufacturing and supply chain management to service delivery and administrative functions. The ultimate goal is to streamline workflows, eliminate waste, and optimize resource allocation.
Among the most powerful methodologies used in this field, LEAN and Six Sigma are particularly effective for optimizing processes. LEAN principles focus on identifying and eliminating waste in every form, from wasted motion and excess inventory to overproduction and defects. This is achieved through techniques like value stream mapping, which visually plots every step in a process to pinpoint non value-added activities. Six Sigma, on the other hand, is a data-driven approach aimed at reducing process variation and defects to near zero. It uses a rigorous, five-step methodology known as DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) to solve complex problems and ensure consistent, high-quality outcomes. When used together, LEAN and Six Sigma create a synergistic effect: LEAN first streamlines the process by removing waste, and then Six Sigma refines it by minimizing variation, leading to a highly optimized and reliable operation. This powerful combination allows companies to not only become more efficient but also to deliver a consistent, superior products and/or services to their customers.
We understand that the preliminary step toward applying the “lean manufacturing & philosophy” is identifying and eliminating the sources of waste. We have found that there are seven basic types of waste in a manufacturing system: overproduction, time on hand (waiting), transportation, processing, stock on hand (inventory), movement, and making defective products.
Part of ProGuide's Operations Management consulting service area is the application of lean manufacturing concepts, tools, and practices. We also strategically integrate other organizational improvement initiatives to help our clients achieve a lean enterprise.
ProGuide provides solutions to production processes that eliminate waste, reduce operating cost, free up working capital and reduce customer lead time. We offer a broad array of
business assessment capabilities and solutions, including:
- Team, Knowledge, And Skill Development
- Improvement Methodology Training
- Change Engagement Facilitation And Guidance
- Continuous Improvement Strategy Development
- Integrated QI System Development
What is Lean Manufacturing?
Lean techniques are, in their most basic form, the systematic identification and elimination of waste (80%), and the implementation of the concepts of continuous flow and customer pull. The benefits of lean manufacturing are 50% lower production costs, 50% fewer personnel, 50% less time to field new products, higher quality, higher profitability, and higher system flexibility. By continually focusing on lean manufacturing and waste reduction, there is no end to the benefits that can be achieved.
Generally, five areas drive lean manufacturing: cost, quality, delivery, safety, and morale. Just as mass production is recognized as the production system of the 20th century, lean production is viewed as the production system of the 21st century.
What is a Lean Enterprise?
The lean enterprise encompasses the entire production system, beginning with the customer, including all transformation processes through the product sales outlet, and all levels of the supply chain. We believe that the lean enterprise is fully engaged in organizational effectiveness with all organizational elements in balance, working harmoniously. Any truly 'lean' system is highly dependent on the demands of its customers and the reliability of its suppliers. No implementation of lean manufacturing can reach its full potential without including the entire 'enterprise' in its planning.