1215 NC v2 - Competitive Manufacturing L2 Introductory Application

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1215 NC v2 - Competitive Manufacturing L3 Technical Application

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1216 NC v2 - Competitive Manufacturing L4

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1216 NC v2 - Competitive Manufacturing L4 Facilitation

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New Zealand faces major changes in the business environment brought about by global trade, social change, resources scarcity, technology, labour supply and other factors. In almost all sectors of the economy, the challenge ahead is to raise productivity, to foster innovation, to enhance quality/service and to raise our marketing performance. And these challenges are more important than ever before.

Manufacturing sector in New Zealand employs 234,700 workers which accounts for 14% of the total workforce (this excludes office support, logistics, storage etc within the sector). Despite the prolonged high NZ dollars which has hindered the growth in the recent years, it generates 43% of our exports and its contribution to the GDP reaches over $20b every year.

The manufacturing sector is therefore vital to our future economy and there is a growing system of supports coming from New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, Business NZ and the Department of Labour to support the productivity growth in the sector. As with any successful business, the drive has to come from within and the CMI qualifications package is a tool kit to deliver change driven by the business itself.

Productivity

Most people are familiar with concepts like just-in-time, inventory control, rapid product development, process improvement, energy saving, right first time - every time, value chains and so on. However, few organisations apply these methods systematically to drive their performance.

There is huge potential for gain from the best practices typified by approaches such as lean manufacturing, total productive manufacturing, total quality management and competitive manufacturing.

So what is competitive manufacturing

Despite the jargon and the gurus, the basics remain the same

• Good planning
• Communications
• value chain management
• Leadership and teamwork
• Systematic improvement and problem solving
• Measurement and benchmarking
• KPI's
• House keeping
• Waste elimination
• Quality and good manufacturing practice
• Customer service
• Innovation

Many companies have already adopted aspects of these systems and several have made large investments in organisational changes to achieve their productivity and performance goals. Other firms are yet to implement such changes and some have not even had time to think about it.

A modest reduction in down time, rework or improved inventory controls can save millions nationally this often equates to savings of five percent or more. Almost all business processes can be streamlined to improve their output and reduce inputs of time and money.

As a means of supporting these goals a group of industry organisations have pooled resources with companies, universities and polytechnics to develop a simple and effective framework to deliver what for want of a better name we have called Competitive Manufacturing.

CMI Qualifications

What is on offer is a mix of qualifications, courses, resources, training and consultation services - collectively this provides the tools to develop competitive manufacturing as a systematic performance improvement culture in any businesses.

The range of qualifications starting from level 2 to 8 (equivalent to Honours degree) cover from entry level right through to top managers and business owners. The current qualifications are made up of modules covering specific areas - ranging from overviews of the systematic approach to things like house keeping, problem solving, visual performance management, preventative maintenance and so on.

Level 2 or 3

An introductory level 2 (or 3) qualification sets the stage by introducing a practical improvement program that delivers the concepts and the basic tools for a step change in performance.

Level 4

Next a level 4 qualification builds on these concepts/skills and is designed to equip coaches or managers who help focus and leading the improvement culture.

Level 6 to 8

Beyond these "shop floor' packages there are diploma courses and also university programs are being revised to integrate improvement concepts and methods empowering organisations.

A competitive manufacturing plan is created with specific improvement goals based on company priorities and by benchmarking of current practices. Improvement goals are aligned to organisational objectives and as such required the entire organisation to pull in the same direction. Different levels of staff take on different responsibilities and tasks to ensure these goals are met.

Outcome

This training affords companies the ability to raise awareness, refines skills and knowledge, up skill staff and to develop in house champions to lead value adding change. Changes aren't just money savings and happy customers - they also impact the morale, motivation and performance of workplaces.

How does it work?

Through accessing the services offered by industry training organisations (ITOs), companies can introduce positive changes at a pace and a price never before possible. The industry training system is geared to service industry and it is supported by government grants toward training costs.

Any company employee can register a training agreement to do any of the above qualifications or certain parts of these qualifications. NZITO pays all fees to NZQA and subsidises the cost of assessors (in-house or external) and/or trainers. Resources to assist assessors and trainers are also available from NZITO and support in developing training plans for your workplace.

For more information

Contact us

competitive manufacturing brochure

3 MB

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise

Department of Labour

Business NZ