Business improvement programme

 

As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, we have recently introduced a 5S programme which we see as the ideal improvement activity for us. It will underpin all our future activities.

Our overall aims for the programme are:

• Reduced times, improving productivity
• Reduced inventory and the space required for storage, improving costs
• Reduced delays, improving ‘On Time Delivery’ to the customer
• Reduced waste, allowing improved utilization

Resulting in:

• Improved customer satisfaction
• Improved employee satisfaction
• Improved safety
• Improved layouts
• Improved communication

The programme consists of the stages (the 5S’s) outlined in the table.

 

Stage	Process
SORT	Distinguish between; what is really needed what is not needed Prioritise the needed activities
STABILISE	Provide a stable foundation: a place for everything everything in the right place
SHINE	Ensure everything is kept up to scratch, i.e.: clean calibrated maintained presented well in the right place
STANDARDISE	Standard practices and processes repeatable flexible where necessary Avoid deviation from best practice
SUSTAIN	Make sure it all runs in the long term continually able to deliver continually look to improve

 

All staff go through a 5S induction programme as they join the company to ensure they understand our quality aims and culture.

We have a number of teams comprising the staff experienced in the actual activities to both audit the process and look for continual improvement.