Key 16, Production Scheduling, of the 20 Keys Operations Improvement System is about ensuring a consistent, high, level of on-time delivery of products and services. This is done by synchronising Marketing and Sales efforts with manufacturing capabilities and scheduling processes accordingly.
One of the methods used is Drum-Buffer-Rope which is a finite scheduling method. It is part of the Theory of Constraints synchronous manufacturing management approach. The basic principles are taught by playing a game to demonstrate having a synchronous flow by scheduling the bottleneck process with strategic time buffers for materials, assembly operations and finished goods stock.
Pictured here – CTP NQF2 Production Technology learners are busy with Drum-Buffer-Rope simulation, facilitated by ODI’s Valery Hansen.
The implementation approach to Key 16 is:
1 Have training workshops with management and teams on the concepts and methods of Key 16.
2 Analyse the current scheduling and work planning approach, and on-time production and delivery
performances, and decide how it can be strengthened.
3 Draw up a Key 16 implementation action plan, and start implementation in identified priority areas.
4 Apply the CAPDo cycle for the regular review of the Key 16 implementation action plan, as well as achieving the target maturity level of Key 16.
The 20 Keys system aims to:
- Implement best practices to achieve world class, operational excellence.
- Achieve the strategic goals of the business.
- Improve the speed of learning and innovation of the business.
- Identify and eliminate all forms of waste (non-value adding activities) to improve customer satisfaction and market share by making products and services better, faster and cheaper.
- Energise and motivate all employees to work towards the achievement of goals.
- Improve productivity, profitability and the long-term sustainable competitiveness of the business
Contact us at ODI to see how we can help you ensure a consistent, high, level of on-time delivery of products and services.