Supply Chain Management Workbook
Combining a theoretical underpinning along with a means of self evaluation results, this practical guide provides an overview of the supply chain process and addresses the key aspects involved in a supply chain.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Supply Chain Management Workbook
Chapter 10: Shop-Floor Control
Overview
One of the objectives for the progressive company is to create a customer-focused orientation within the organization. Each unit or function understands the needs of the end user and deploys those requirements throughout the organization. Each unit then acts as a network of focused problem-solvers. If quality, for example, is an issue for the customer, then the quality assurance system is a network-prioritized activity that plays a role in satisfying the customer.
An integrated shop floor can move the organization forward to becoming a customer-orientated entity in contrast to the traditionally orientated approach, compared in Figure 10.1.
| Traditional company | Progressive company | |
|---|---|---|
| Structure |
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| Organizational responsibility |
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| Customer orientation |
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| Key player
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| Everybody, including shop-floor people, is involved |
| Source: Suzaski (1993). |
Figure 10.1: Comparison of customer orientation between traditional and progressive companies
Continuous development of the understanding about the customer-supplier relationship between functions is vital in developing the customer-orientated organization. The flow of work between customer-supplier links is, after all, a communication flow. Measures which appear small can perpetuate the customer-supplierperspective. Visible charts at workstations (performance indices) are an example of communication flow within the organization. Details about standard operating procedures and work centre activities can be displayed so it becomes clear what takes place where, and when.
Attitudes, motivation...
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