Glasgow Business . 27
www.glasgowchamberofcommerce.com
BUSINESS CLINIC MANUFACTURING
››ROBERT COWAN, HEAD OF THE WEST TEAM AT THE SCOTTISH MANUFACTURING ADVISORY SERVICE, OUTLINES HOW MANUFACTURERS CAN BE MORE COMPETITIVE IN 2015
Are you optimistic about manufacturing in Scotland?
Yes, I definitely am. Tere’s certainly been recognition from all quarters about how important a vibrant manufacturing sector is to the economy. Scotish-manufactured goods make up over 60 per cent of Scotish exports and we know that this export performance is a litmus test for the health of the overall economy. In Scotland, there is a focus on premium, quality and provenance and we have strong sectors such as aerospace, automotive, chemicals and food and drink, to name but a few. Manufacturing has a huge role to play. Generally, Scotland’s manufacturing
is not as productive as our European and global neighbours. To be competitive in the global economy, we need to be as productive as possible and have a relentless focus on continuous improvement and excellence.
What are the biggest opportunities?
All sectors have their own opportunities for growth and specific challenges. But there is one main generic theme for me, and it’s all to do with people. Since I joined the Scotish Manufacturing Advisory Service (SMAS) team eight years ago, I’ve seen a shiſt in the focus of our work, from solely operational efficiency to combining operational improvements with organisational and culture change. Companies used to talk about tactical
problem solving projects using Lean or Six Sigma tools and techniques to address specific issues they had. While these play an important role, that’s actually the easy bit. Te real
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challenge is addressing the underlying culture in the organisation and its impact on performance. If this bit is ignored, operational improvements will not be optimised or sustained. We know that 70 per cent of continuous
improvement programmes will fail if companies don’t take their most valuable assets – their people – on the journey. Although embarking on cultural and behavioural change in your business may be daunting, the potential rewards are high.
So how do companies practically do this?
Continuous improvement must be seen as a long-term journey. Excellence needs to be instilled right across a manufacturing business, from the shop floor, offices and wider supply chain. Tis provides a framework for everyone in the business to constantly look for opportunities to improve. Improvement techniques such as Lean and
Six Sigma provide a structured approach. However, more importantly, they also provide a vehicle for people engagement and change behaviours to support improvement. Tis approach releases the full potential
of employees and can allow a business to transform. We see companies in Scotland doing this every day. Optos in Dunfermline sees ‘Excellence Every Day in Everything’ and Peak Scientific in Inchinnan advises staff to ‘Constantly Seek Perfection’. Developing and leading people through
involvement in continuous improvement releases their ambition and drive to do more, and leads to everyone contributing towards a company’s goals.
The SMAS team live and work all over Scotland. For more information on how we can support your business in 2015, please get in touch via the website
www.scottishmas.co.uk or call the team on 0845 607 8787.
John macKenzie How can SMAS help?
Every manufacturer faces a range of challenges, but there are huge similarities too. Changes in one area of a business can have unintended consequences on another, so we always take a holistic view of the business. SMAS Practitioners have the skills to support
the implementation of a structured longer-term improvement programme, but can still help fix immediate business-critical issues. We always focus on transferring skills to the business and sharing best practice. Our support is tailored to the individual needs of each business, and this is one of the reasons SMAS’s reputation is so strong within the manufacturing sector. And coming full circle, our customers tell us
that the number one benefit of working with SMAS is the improvements to staff morale and engagement. When our clients have an empowered and engaged workforce, we know we have successfully embedded sustainable change that will underpin the company’s growth. Tat can only be a good thing for all of us in Scotland.
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