When some people hear the word ‘change’ they become fearful. Change will always bring to the surface some uncomfortable feelings, especially when it’s to do with how you work.
For today’s manufacturing businesses, change is a necessity to keep up with technological advancements and the continual shift in customer demand and behaviour.
In this blog, we’re encouraging you to give every employee a voice and to involve them in the OMS planning stages to really maximise the efficiency of your operations. As they’ll be the ones to put any change into practice, it makes perfect sense to encourage their input and insights.
We’ve got an announcement!
To set the scene, we want you to visualise this scenario – and we bet for many you’ve already experienced it for real!
An email from the leadership team has made its way into every employee’s inbox and it’s set tongues wagging. Apparently, everyone is to step into the boardroom midday tomorrow when a very important announcement will be made.
You can guarantee that a considerable percentage of the workforce will think the worst and are already updating their CV. Others may be more optimistic and think it’s to do with a bonus and have already started looking at new cars online. But in reality, no-one knows and gossip has started to spread like wildfire making for a sleepless night for many.
Change is afoot!
Fast forward a day and everyone has just stepped out of the boardroom having been told that a change is being made to the way they operate. Mutterings of, ‘but we’ve always done it this way’, ‘why weren’t we asked what we want?’ and ‘does this mean that we might be out of a job this time next year?’ fill the office.
These kinds of announcements, that come out of the blue, rarely go well. They are usually met with a lot of resistance and it’s going to take a very carefully planned communication strategy to fix it!
You’ve identified that your manufacturing company is inefficient. What next?
Identifying any weaknesses in your manufacturing process and addressing them is a great strength! No business ever fulfilled its potential without having to take a candid look at its current procedures and make improvements. And no business has ever succeeded without its most valuable resource – its talented workforce.
When considering the introduction of custom manufacturing software, include your team. You do your best work when you work as a team right, so making decisions should be no different.
Once you’ve told them why a new system or upgrade is necessary, you need to give them a voice. Ask for feedback and ideas. Welcome questions. Encourage innovation. Set up forums and ask if anyone would like to champion the project.
Take a walk through of your production floor
Start at the beginning of your process – the moment your customer puts in their order – and literally walk through every current process until the product leaves your warehouse.
Embrace your curiosity! Ask your employees if every step is fit for purpose, ask where time is wasted, ask whether each step is needed, and ask what could be done better.
Our blog, ‘Feeling Exhausted’, explores what this walk though should look like. Head over there once you’ve read this blog.
Automation: love it or fear it?
Upgrading how you’re currently processing your orders is all about efficiency, saving money and time, reducing risks, delighting customers, and ultimately making everyone’s lives a lot easier. To achieve this, automation plays a big role.
Any fear of an automated order management system stems from a lack of understanding and a distinct absence of communications from the management.
Here’s what to say to your team to address automation concerns.
In a nutshell, work will become more enjoyable and meaningful, and stress levels will be massively reduced!
Addressing the training element
Good news! Should you decide that bespoke manufacturing software is the right thing for you, and you choose to hire us to help you achieve your goals, you’ll be pleased to learn that we have a robust implementation plan that will ensure your workforce is onboarded and raring to go effectively.
Our made to order manufacturing software will integrate with all your other essential systems – it doesn’t replace them. One more positive aspect to tell your workforce!
Continual feedback
Even after implementation continue to ask questions. Embedding a culture of continual improvement and openness will secure your manufacturing business’ bright future.
Valued and respected
By continually including your employees, they will feel valued, trusted, and respected. In turn, you, and your customers, will really reap the rewards! Motivation, productivity, and morale will significantly increase resulting in a tight knit team with every individual understanding exactly how their role fits in with the company’s overarching mission.
Can we help?
If you’re interested to learn more about our transformational business automation software solutions, get in touch with us today.