Free rapid product development workshops on offer

The free-of-charge seminars, which are being funded by the Manufacturing Advisory Service – West Midlands (MAS-WM), are looking to engage with more than 100 firms from across the region and take in venues in Stourbridge, Coventry and Cannock on the 8th, 9th and 10th of February respectively. Delivered by lean manufacturing specialists Oneflow, they have been designed to provide companies with a step-by-step guide to cutting out problems associated with new model introductions and to offer tips designed to reduce lead times and save costs. Andy Taylor, who will be leading the sessions, explained: "Ten years ago companies were faced with perhaps annual new product launches. The reality today is that this happens on a sometimes continual basis, with upgrades, changes in specification and a greater variety of models. This causes manufacturers numerous headaches and can be an expensive and time consuming exercise, especially if things aren't planned right and mistakes are made. "What these workshops will do is explain why most 'change points' go wrong and how to adopt a 'best practice' approach that introduces changes effectively into your business. "Through the interactive nature of the session we'll be able to equip delegates with skills that they will be able to take back into the workplace." The seminars, which are free to attend, will cover a number of different topic areas including the key steps of planning for success, importance of cross functional teams, phase-gate reviews and selecting the right metrics. Giving delegates an initial insight into product introduction is the main emphasis, with firms then able to speak to a Manufacturing Advisory Service Adviser about the possibility of more in-depth support to assist with their activities. Simon Griffiths (pictured), Chief Executive of MAS-WM, said: "We've listened to companies about this issue and have got in experts to deliver an initial snapshot of what they can do to reduce lead times on new models and, importantly, make sure the process remains profitable." email masworkshop@oneflow.co.uk or contact Richard Milham on 0121 415 3761