Setting priorities, collecting data and establishing a rhythm are three habits that help form a sturdy foundation for any organization. Mastering these habits can help you manage and improve your small company.
As we move through both our personal and professional lives, we learn a great many things. We learn what we should do in given situations and perhaps even more importantly, what we should not do. What we learn along the way helps shape who we are and what we will ultimately accomplish.
Have you ever invested a great deal of time and effort to improve something only to see it slowly return to the way it once was? I refer to this phenomenon as backsliding, and it can happen anywhere, anytime.
Manufacturers must drive out waste wherever it is encountered in order to remain competitive. The good news is that many companies have made remarkable progress in identifying and eliminating waste. The bad news is that there is always more to be done.
While batching production steps might seem like the only efficient way to complete a task, it can actually inhibit your opportunity to keep the process flowing.
ISO 9000 certification can be time-consuming and costly, but it is a necessary step in developing a quality management system that meets the needs of both current and potential customers.
Every company should take the time to occasionally conduct a self assessment. Take a look at what you are doing well now, and figure out what you should improve in the future.