Curious about how other companies' needs stack up compared to your own? There are a lot of things that we need as manufacturers. Prioritizing those needs and justifying them can be daunting. But don’t worry, you are not alone. See how other companies rank their needs. Then add to the discussion.

1. Food Manufacturing
Needs
FROM FOOD ENGINEERING 2013 STATE OF MANUFACTURING SURVEY
OCTOBER 2013
Rock Creek Consulting Services, LLC
www.rockcreekcs.com

2. see the article here
What’s the Big Deal
 Manufacturing is growing in the U.S.
 Global competition on a global market requires higher quality and
lower costs.
 Innovation in technology pushes the necessity of management and
workforce knowledge.
 Speed to market and consumer savvy is driving product
development and forcing manufacturing to adapt quickly.

3. see the article here

4. see the article here
Who is the Sample?
 The vast majority of respondents were from small companies (fewer
than 500 employees).
 These needs span the size of a company. Regardless of
time, people, resources, and capital, these needs are universal.
 57% of all respondents were from companies with less than 250
employees.

5. see the article here

6. see the article here
Analysis
 Only 6 of the 11 items are related to technical improvement.
 The number 2 and 3 items are about improving the competency of
people.
 Two of the top ten are related to improving communication.

7. see the article here
Finding the Connections
 Equipment Upgrades and Maintenance Systems go hand-in-hand.
 Upgrading equipment is a short-term fix without a good Maintenance
System/Program.
 Current equipment could last longer with better quality with a
comprehensive Maintenance Program.

8. see the article here
Finding the Connections
 Skill training must occur at all levels.
 Whether it is a supervisor or operator, they both must understand not
only the technical requirements of the equipment but also:
 CI programs (pick your poison; TPM, Lean, 6-sigma),
 Teamwork and group dynamics,
 Interconnection with other departments and company functions.

9. see the article here
Finding the Connections
 Need a blend of flexibility and consistency.
 There is a need to improve process controls. Whether through
automation or via personnel training, the result is a consistent quality
product leaving the production facility every day.
 Increasing flexibility on existing lines demonstrates the need for
companies to be better at changeovers and versatile. Changeovers
add error to any line, forcing the conflict between versatility and
consistency.

10. see the article here
Creating Solutions
 Putting Manufacturing in terms of Value.
 Stop thinking of everything in strict terms of cost. Investment in people
will result reduced costs. It is simply difficult to quantify.
 Try comparing seasoned operators to new operators. What is the production
difference and quantify the unit cost of the product for both. You may find
justification for training and development.
 Start planning on a long-term basis.
 If you think of long-term as 3 years, you don’t have much confidence in your
product, your company, or yourself. It is a demanding market, but
understand your real long-term strategy.
 Look at paybacks over the lifetime of the investment. Understand that
payback can come in the form of job satisfaction, lower stress levels, and
higher morale as well as financial wealth.

11. see the article here
Make a Difference
 That is our goal in the end anyway, right. To make a difference to
our customers, our people, and our stakeholders.
 Take a version of the survey here.
Rock Creek Consulting Services, LLC
www.rockcreekcs.com