Joseph W. Devine
“CBS has the vision, passion and experience to bring solutions to healthcare in a way that is much more personal and intimate than other consulting firms. Healthcare is at a critical point and I’m thrilled to be able to work with executives and their organizations to define and support the strategies needed to be successful […]
Break Down the Walls: Enhancing Customer-Supplier Relationships
SOLUTION AREA: Operational Excellence, Leadership and Change Management
When we hear the phrase “Customer-Supplier Relationship,” the first thing they tend to think about is external suppliers. We find that regardless of industry, many of our clients have poor relationships with external suppliers, yet this is just the tip of the iceberg.
Case Study: How Effectively Managing Your Supply Chain Can Make All The Difference
Developing Client Learning Platform or Lean Six Sigma Blended Learning Program Delivers Results
At the time of engagement, the client lacked a comprehensive training strategy around their continuous improvement (CI) activities and wanted a training solution that would create a common language and approach for their team. After reviewing many different approaches and solutions, CBS introduced a blended learning model to develop lean Six Sigma Green Belt and Black Belt practitioners across the client’s organization.
CBS Visual Management and Control System Enables Client to Manage Real Time
A CBS client manufactures extremely complex and high tolerance product while operating in a very competitive market with high delivery demands from its customers. In this case, the company was under severe cost pressures as profitability and cash flow were not meeting corporate expectations. Additionally, their customers’ volumes were increasing, and they were not able to keep up.
Reducing Product Reworks, Defects and Costs
A global Tier 2 wings supplier with revenues of more than $3 billion was experiencing process issues that compromised its ability to meet customer demands for delivery, cost and quality. CBS helped the client achieve significant reductions in unit labor hours, defect rates and product rework while facilitating a return to on-time deliveries.
A Return to Profitability: Improving the Supply Chain Strategy
A Fortune 500 company required assistance in improving the profitability of a recently acquired chemical company. Previously family-owned and marginally successful in its region, the company lacked a supply chain strategy and standard work in their operations. CBS returned the company to profitability through product rationalization, improved inventory practices and targeted operational improvements.
Improving Productivity and Decreasing Costs
A labeling manufacturer lacked the capacity to meet its customers’ volume and mix requirements, resulting in costly additional shifts, selective outsourcing and loss of large client orders. CBS led a Kaizen event to analyze and improve the process, which reduced the average changeover by 60% and helped decrease the need for temporary workers and weekend shifts.
Timing is Everything: Meeting Demand for Critical Product Lines
A designer and manufacturer of high-tech military products, this company was unable to meet customer demands, resulting in customer dissatisfaction and the potential for contractual penalties. CBS helped the company develop capacity tools for critical product lines, eliminated non-value-added activities and implemented a takt-based system that doubled shop capacity and reduced product lead time from 50 days to 13 days.
Training the Workforce for Improved Performance
A manufacturer of wings and supporting aerostructures was experiencing high rates of employee attrition, which impacted delivery deadlines and revenue goals while compromising important customer relationships. An intensive CBS engagement helped the supplier implement a robust workforce training program, significantly reduce product defects and rapidly improve on-time delivery rates.