The True Costs of Poor Quality
When we think about quality in the manufacturing realm, we generally limit our focus to the tangible aspects of products such as parts, components, and their fit, size, finish, and alignment. Poor quality, however, extends far beyond what you can feel and see. As do the effects, not just on the consumer but within the […]
The Fallacy of the Silver Bullet: Why a Whole System Approach is Essential for CEOs
Once, early in my career, I was standing above a Toyota assembly line in Japan. Looking down at the plant floor, I realized that at any given time, a hundred different kinds of vehicles were rolling off the line. I felt like being there and seeing all of this was essentially akin to giving away […]
Deploying a Strategic Plan for Manufacturing CEOs
In my work with companies across the manufacturing landscape, I see it all the time. While many companies are great at creating strategies, very few are adept at deploying and managing them. Many companies mistakenly view their budgeting cycle as strategy deployment, keeping their focus solely on spending money on the things they predict will […]
Two Quick Key Indicators for Assessing the Health of a Company Before Acquisition
When you’re thinking about buying a company, it’s important to look at more than just the financials. You also need to assess the company’s operational health. What’s amazing is that two of the best metrics for gaining a valuable amount of information on the operations side of things–namely, inventory levels and workforce engagement–can be gathered […]
How to Use Problem-Solving Strategies to Reduce Workplace Attrition
Employee attrition, or turnover, is a common problem for businesses of all sizes. It can be costly and disruptive, and it can also damage a company’s reputation. There are many reasons why employees leave their jobs, including uncompetitive compensation, lack of growth or development opportunities, unpleasant or unsatisfactory work environments, and poor management. In many […]
SIOP: The Heartbeat of Success
Is your company facing challenges with … Obsolete inventory. Meeting customer demand. Supply chain issues. Cash flow. Overstocked inventory. and more? You are not alone. CBS Provides Timely, Proven Solutions While these circumstances can feel overwhelming, there is help available with proven and timely solutions. Our consultants at Competitive Business Solutions regularly assist managers […]
Is Your Organization Lean—or Lagging?
Is your manufacturing operation using space efficiently? Are you leveraging data to gauge month-over-month improvements? Take a few moments to answer five key questions to best determine if your organization is lean or lagging.
“We Don’t Make Cars Here” – Continuous Improvement Opportunities
SOLUTION AREA: Operational Excellence
There are significant opportunities to improve operational processes in any company with common Continuous Improvement /Lean tools.
Tier 1 Component Supplier Increases Throughput and Returns to On-Time
After years of cost cutting and loss of experienced “Tribal” manufacturing knowledge, a CBS aerospace client was not able to support increasing customer demand. Though they continued to make promises to return to on-time delivery, they continued to run 9 months delinquent to customer demand. Based on our prompt assessment of the situation, CBS developed and implemented an improvement plan that brought the client back to on-time and full condition.
Challenges Facing Private Equity Today
