Delayed visibility of metrics inhibits manufacturing improvements
1 min read
In most manufacturing companies, employees do not have adequate visibility into plant performance to change outcomes during their shift, or even by shift end.
That is among key preliminary findings from the MESA (Manufacturing Enterprise Solutions Association) and Cambashi manufacturing execution system study, revealed by Cambashi's Tony Christian at the MESA European Conference.
Based on the first 100 responses to the on-line survey, 'Pursuit of Performance Excellence: Business Success through Effective Plant Operations Metrics', Christian's sneak preview suggests that two-thirds of manufacturers show metrics to operators, line workers, supervisors and others managing plant operations on a daily or less frequent basis.
In fact, only one in five respondents always provide line-level metrics to operators and technicians, to make required adjustments in their scope of control.
The preliminary findings show that one reason so few companies can show employees' performance results quickly enough is that nearly two-thirds find it necessary to have an analyst cleanse the data prior to analysis, while more than 70% find it time-consuming to analyse and set up the data for visualisation.
Further, 42% do not provide leading metrics that help to predict problems, but only lagging reporting of what has already happened.
Through November 14, MESA and Cambashi are seeking survey responses from manufacturing plants in every country in the world and across all production industries.
Manufacturers and producers who participate will receive the MESA 2010 study summary report 'Metrics that Matter Revisited', as well as the full report for the study when it is available.
Go to http://bit.ly/oYWifJ.
