The focus of the 2019 Astral 20 Keys Conference was on Key 18 (Using Information Systems), and Key 20 (Leading Technology).
The Astral Workshop Co-ordinators were:
- Evert Potgieter (Director: Risk Management) and
- Nikki Moodley (Operations Improvement Executive)
The Astral 20 Keys conference was opened by Nikki Moodley. Nikki stressed the importance of new ways of thinking, and that all people need to have an awareness of how to manage change. She also encouraged people to always be on the lookout for opportunities in the workplace.
An interesting aspect of the presentation by Jaclyn was the integration between ISO17025, and the 20 Keys.
Jaclyn Otto – CAL
Focussing on Key 18 (Using Information Systems), she emphasised that “Data is Gold”. Jacklyn gave an extensive overview of all data used at CAL. She also indicated the importance of Key 2 (Goal Alignment), Key 3 (Small Group Activities), Key 12 (Supplier Development), Key 13 (Eliminating Waste), and Key 17 (Efficiency Control). For her, the success of information lies in an integrated approach.
Johan van Niekerk – Meadow
Johan emphasised the importance of efficiency and standardisation. Key 11 (Quality Assurance) is of particular importance to him when addressing Key 18 (Using Information Systems). To implement Key 18 successfully takes perseverance, and good documentation. To continuously train people (Key 15) is also very important. He also highlighted that Repetitive Actions do NOT constitute work; a good Key 13 (Eliminating Waste) principle.
Andy Crocker – MD: Commercial Division
Andy highlighted an important 20 Keys principle; how essential people support is in Technological Advances. Planning and standardisation was the theme during his address. He also pointed out the role that Key 2 (Goal Alignment) plays, as well as the fact that Key 15 (Skills Versatility) underpins the success of new ways of working.
Jerry Richards – Festive
During his presentation, Jerry highlighted how integrated the success of Key 18 (Information Systems) and Key 20 (Leading Technology) is with other Keys. He spoke in particular about Key 11 (Quality Assurance), Key 12 (Supplier Development), Key 10 (Self-Discipline), Key 15 (Skills Versatility), and Key 17 (Efficiency Control). He pointed out the increase in efficiency when an integrated approach is followed.
Gary Arnold – MD: Agricultural Division
An interesting angle to Gary’s presentation was the advances made in Genetics Technology. He also gave an overview of the applications of technology across different sites, and emphasised the role that the 20 Keys plays in all of this. Key 18 (Information Systems), in particular, supports the very important aspect of traceability of information.
Basson Viljoen – AFS System
Basson did a most interesting overview of the AFS. The role that people play also featured a lot during his overview. He quoted Steve Jobs as saying that people are very smart, and if given the opportunity, they will improve.
One way in which to ensure improvement is to Eliminate Waste (Key 13) through standardisation, eliminating duplications, and capturing as close as possible to the source.
Nikki Moodley – 20 Keys Electronic Benchmarking
Nikki demonstrated the new electronic 20 Keys benchmarking system. She also spoke about the tried and tested method of benchmarking, using the 20 Keys principles. By doing this benchmarking, a company can see how well they do in terms of world class standards.
Some important reasons to benchmark included:
- Understanding your performance.
- Engaging people.
- Encouraging accountability.
Fostering a climate of continuous improvement.
Michael Schmitz – MD: Feeds Division
Michael gave an overview on how Key 20 (Leading Technology) is used in the Feed Industry. It was also interesting to hear how Key 18 (Using Information Systems) starts to form a basis for building relationships between different stakeholders.
Mark Surendorff – COO: Meadow Feeds
Mark did an overview of how Meadow Feeds have revitalised the implementation of the 20 Keys, using slogans, colour, and lots of people involvement.
He also presented an excellent example of implementing Key 2 (Goal Alignment).
Throughout the day, Nikki Moodley made valuable contributions.
She highlighted amongst many things:
- The importance of the integrity of data, in order to be useful for analysis.
- Good data makes for better conversations.
- The importance of the CAPDo cycle.
- That we must remember that an SLA with internal suppliers is as integral to the business as an SLA with external suppliers.
- That we must continuously ask ourselves how we can improve.
Nikki spoke about the privilege to have the 20 Keys as the Astral Continuous Improvement Initiative. She spoke about the uniqueness of the 20 Keys programme, and the way in which it provides structure. She also encouraged everyone to use the 20 Keys to its fullest potential.
A great energiser was Nikki’s Spinning Wheel!.
The wheel randomly selected people to share their experiences. People selected included:
- Adri van Heerden
- Allan Moodley
- Disebo Ngwenya
- Michael Molebats
- Karin Brooks
- Alewyn Carstens
- Colin Ntsoane
Great feedback was received from all these delegates.
The day was closed by Evert Potgieter.
He spoke about the important role that people play. Evert highlighted a couple of Trendy Future Developments, and quoted and extract from Steve Jobs saying: “What’s important is that you have faith in people and that you give them the right tools to do the job. “
All Astral delegates left the conference feeling valued and challenged by all the new Technology!
To read more about ODI’s Continuous Operations Improvement System, click here.