'Lean thinking' for business systems

Business Hawke's Bay CEO Susan White.

A two-day workshop and coaching programme applying "lean thinking" to companies' operational systems is being held on May 24 and 25.

Held at the Hawke's Bay Business Hub in Ahuriri, Better by Lean is supported by government agency Callaghan Innovation in partnership with the University of Auckland and economic development agency Business Hawke's Bay (BHB).

"Some of the benefits identified by local businesses already employing lean principles include improved planning, production flow and reduced lead times. They've reduced their inventories, freed up capital and saved space," BHB CEO Susan White said.

"Importantly, too, they say they've engaged their staff more effectively, developing their skills and generally created a culture of continuous improvement with innovative ideas coming from throughout their operations.

"Overall, Lean is helping businesses improve productivity, profitability, and international competitiveness."

After the May programme, participants will be invited to meet with a Better by Lean coach to get their lean implementation under way. There is co-funding available for qualifying businesses for eligible costs incurred up to and including June 30, 2016.

The programme is open to up to three people per business and priority is given to businesses new to Better by Lean programmes.

Participants can also join a Hawke's Bay cluster of fellow businesses that are applying lean strategies to gain support and share insights and ideas.

Facilitator Bryan Travers is the owner of his own consultancy practice, Quality Dynamics Ltd, and has 20 years' CEO experience in Australasia with extensive benchmarking experience. He has spent nearly 20 years coaching and consulting to businesses.

The two-day workshop and coaching programme applies "a lean-thinking lens" to an entire operational system including development processes, workflows, supply chains, production lines, distribution channels and customer touchpoints - to boost competitiveness and performance.