Achieving Peak Performance is Easier than You Think

08/18/2015
by Ron Crews

The goal in packaging is to maximize productivity levels while simultaneously reducing labor, waste, and downtime.  Once you achieve peak performance levels, the operational benefits are a smooth-running and profitable operation that is predictable in time and resources, thus becoming easier to manage.  In theory, it makes sense, but what does it take to get there?

The truth is, making good and solid productivity gains that last is a byproduct of doing many things right. Chances are the most cost-effective and beneficial improvement opportunities are in your plant right now in the form of the people and equipment that you already have.  This month, we’ll examine the role your team and their training plays in achieving peak performance.

The Team
Your machine operators, maintenance, and engineering staff all need to become experts in the products you produce, the equipment you run, and the systems you need to produce your products.  The entire tech services department must be properly trained and skilled to become part of this problem-solving team that takes a systematic approach to making improvements that last and build on the past.  They must be led by individuals who are as intimate with the shop floor as they are with the last nut and bolt on a specific assembly. They must work and learn as a team. This team has to be built and given the resources needed to develop, build, test and modify improvement concepts. These concepts can be mechanical, electrical, and/or operational.

Training
Often, operators and maintenance mechanics who are responsible for these complex pieces of equipment have never received proper training.  They lack the operational theory and practical knowledge to overcome common daily problems. So naturally, they shy away from problems, try to ignore them, and hope they go away.  As these problems mount, downtime increases, and every key performance indicator goes the wrong way. OEM training is not enough. The training you receive from the OEM is operational theory driven. Your people need real world-problem solving training that teaches them how to solve problems they encounter on a daily basis.  This type of training can only be provided by trained and experienced professionals that have been on the production floor solving real problems and understand what it takes to transfer this type of knowledge and experience to your people.

Ultimately, performance levels are directly tied to the technical abilities of your personnel.  Simply put, if your performance levels do not measure up, training your team will be worth your while.

We can help you train your team on your packaging equipment. Contact us today to learn how!