Operational Flexibility: responding to unpredictable demand

We have identified that flexible and dynamic operations environments which can respond quickly to the changes in their market place is a significant characteristic of highly successful organisations.  

Within these organisations, Operations are able to adapt to and service the requirements filtered through the sales team reflecting the demand from the market. They are able to accommodate this change or unpredictability without unduly affecting the delivery promises made to current customers or exhausting the company’s resources.

When operations is driven by a sales forecast or the demand in the market is subject to peaks and troughs, the following is typical :

• Priorities constantly shifting
• High levels of expediting
• High levels of inventory
• Large batch runs to save set-up
• Heavy loading of available capacity
• Large amounts of Work In Progress

By focussing on the real constraints, achieving shorter manufacturing lead times and creating operational flexibility our clients experience

• Stability in the manufacturing environment
• Faster response to shifts in market demand
• Higher due date performance or service levels
• Lower work in progress
• More satisfied customers – internally and externally

Contact us to understand how this can be achieved in your environment