Does manufacturing operations management truly represent the future of your industry? Absolutely. Indeed, 73% of industrial leaders identify this approach as their primary improvement lever. However, what exactly lies behind this concept? Manufacturing operations management consists of intelligently orchestrating all your industrial processes. First, it coordinates your production planning. Then, it ensures real-time monitoring of your operations. Finally, it optimizes each step to maximize your performance. Is your company facing recurring delays? Are your production costs exploding? These challenges find their solution in optimized operations management.
Key takeaways regarding manufacturing operations management:
- Definition: Orchestration of all your production processes to optimize performance and quality
- Measurable impact: Up to 25% productivity improvement with optimized management
- Covered areas: Planning, execution, quality, maintenance, inventory and teams
- Quick start: Begin by digitalizing your work instructions with Picomto
- Immediate ROI: First results visible within 2-4 weeks
1. What is manufacturing operations management exactly?
Let’s begin by examining this notion that revolutionizes modern industry.
First of all, it must be said that manufacturing operations management goes far beyond simple coordination. In fact, it represents your factory’s nervous system.
1.1. Simple and concrete definition
Actually, manufacturing operations management transforms your industrial approach. Firstly, it coordinates all your processes to produce better. Secondly, it optimizes your resources to produce faster. Thirdly, it reduces your waste to produce cheaper.
This approach effectively covers the entire industrial scope:
- From receiving your customer orders
- To delivering your finished products
- Through each transformation step
Unlike traditional production management, this method adopts a global vision. Instead of managing in silos, it integrates all your departments. Consequently, your company gains coherence and efficiency.
1.2. The 6 areas this covers in your plant
Let’s now examine the six fundamental pillars. First, these areas articulate perfectly with each other.
- Strategic planning
- Definition of what to produce according to your orders
- Optimal allocation of your human and material resources
- Anticipation of potential bottlenecks
- Operational execution
- Real-time monitoring of your manufacturing orders
- Constant monitoring of your performance indicators
- Immediate reaction to detected deviations
- Integrated quality control
- Systematic verification of product compliance
- Complete traceability of your processes
- Proactive management of non-conformities
- Optimized maintenance
- Preventive planning of your interventions
- Maximization of equipment availability
- Drastic reduction of unplanned downtime
- Flow management
- Optimization of your raw material stocks
- Fluidification of your work-in-progress
- Synchronization with your supply chain
- Team management
- Continuous training of your collaborators
- Standardization of your operating procedures
- Improvement of operator versatility
2. Why do you need to manage your manufacturing operations?
Now, let’s explore the compelling reasons to adopt this approach. Generally speaking, companies that neglect this aspect lose their competitiveness.
2.1. The 5 problems this solves in your daily operations
As a rule, manufacturers encounter the same recurring difficulties. Fortunately, operations management provides concrete solutions.
- Chronic delivery delays Do your customers regularly complain? Indeed, 68% of manufacturing companies struggle to meet their deadlines. Thanks to optimized planning, you regain your reliability. Consequently, customer satisfaction increases significantly.
- Production cost explosion In the current state of affairs, inflation weighs on your margins. However, resource optimization allows compensating for this pressure. In particular, waste reduction generates substantial savings.
- Inconsistent product quality According to sectoral studies, 15% of manufactured products have defects. Nevertheless, process standardization divides this rate by three. Moreover, your operators gain autonomy and confidence.
- Lack of operational visibility Undoubtedly, are you still managing “blindly”? Indeed, 45% of production managers lack reliable indicators. Now, real-time dashboards transform your management.
- New employee training difficulties Certainly, integrating new collaborators takes time. However, digitalized instructions considerably accelerate learning. Furthermore, know-how transfer becomes more efficient.
2.2. The measurable benefits you will obtain
It must be emphasized that results are quantifiable and rapid. Let’s see the gains typically observed.
Productivity improvement:
- Reduction of machine downtime
- Production rate optimization
- Better utilization of available resources
Error reduction:
- Standardization of professional gestures
- Clear and accessible instructions
- Traceability of performed actions
Cost reduction:
- Less scrap and rework
- Energy optimization
- Reduction of buffer stocks
Training acceleration:
- Structured learning paths
- Visual and interactive materials
- Facilitated skills assessment
3. How does operations management work concretely?
Now, let’s detail the practical functioning of this approach. First, let’s understand the complete operational cycle.
3.1. The complete cycle in 4 simple steps
First of all, this process follows relentless logic. Moreover, each step chains naturally.
- PLAN with precision First, analyze your customer orders in detail. Then, define your resource needs. Next, establish your optimal production schedule. Finally, anticipate potential risks.
- EXECUTE with method Subsequently, launch production according to your schedules. Simultaneously, collect operational data. In parallel, adjust in real-time if necessary. Continuously, communicate with your teams.
- CONTROL systematically Meanwhile, verify your product compliance. Also, measure your actual performance. Compared to objectives, identify deviations. Immediately, correct observed drifts.
- IMPROVE continuously Finally, analyze all your collected data. Consequently, identify optimization opportunities. Subsequently, implement priority improvements. Thus, your performance constantly rises.
3.2. The actors involved in your organization
It’s about mobilizing your entire team. Indeed, each role contributes to global success.
Production Manager
- Strategic operations management
- Coordination between different departments
- Reporting to general management
Operational Team Leaders
- Daily animation of field teams
- Resolution of immediate problems
- Information escalation to management
Production Operators
- Task execution according to instructions
- Reporting of detected anomalies
- Proposing field improvements
Quality Manager
- Definition of quality standards
- Regular controls and audits
- Continuous process improvement
3.3. The information you must track daily
It must be recognized that good indicators make the difference. In this regard, focus on the essential.
Production indicators
- Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
- Actual vs theoretical rates
- Downtime by cause
Quality indicators
- Defect rate by workstation
- Number of non-conformities
- Cost of non-quality
Economic indicators
- Material consumption per product
- Team hourly productivity
- Unit cost price
4. What tools to use for managing your manufacturing operations?
Now, let’s explore available technological solutions. Above all, the choice depends on your maturity and objectives.
4.1. The 3 types of available solutions
Firstly, three categories of tools are available to you. Nevertheless, their relevance varies according to your context.
Integrated global solutions (MES/ERP) On one hand, these systems offer a complete vision. Moreover, they integrate all your business processes. However, their deployment remains complex and costly.
Advantages:
- Total integration of your information flows
- Consolidated reporting and unified dashboards
- Complete traceability management
Disadvantages:
- High initial investment (€50,000 minimum)
- Long deployment time (12 to 18 months)
- Significant configuration complexity
Specialized business solutions On the other hand, these tools target specific needs. In particular, they excel in their domain of expertise.
- CMMS for optimizing your maintenance
- APS software for your advanced planning
- SPC systems for your statistical quality control
Process digitalization solutions Thirdly, Picomto revolutionizes your approach. In fact, this solution transforms your work instructions.
Specific advantages:
- Ultra-rapid deployment (2 to 4 weeks)
- Immediate return on investment
- Easy adoption by your teams
Direct impact on your operations:
- Complete standardization of your processes
- Drastic reduction of human errors
- Accelerated training of your new collaborators
4.2. Which tool to start with according to your situation?
It must also be said that implementation strategy counts enormously. In this regard, follow this progressive approach.
If you’re beginning digitalization Absolutely start by digitalizing your work instructions. Indeed, Picomto offers the best impact/investment ratio. Moreover, this solid foundation will facilitate your future projects.
If you already have an ERP In this case, enrich your system with specialized modules. For example, add a CMMS or an APS system. Simultaneously, Picomto perfectly complements these tools.
If your organization is mature Then, consider a complete MES for total integration. However, carefully prepare this large-scale project. Beforehand, ensure your processes are standardized.
5. How to implement operations management in your company?
From now on, let’s move to concrete implementation. Above all, a methodical approach guarantees your success.
5.1. Start with fundamentals
Don’t forget that foundations determine the entire structure. Consequently, first invest in standardization.
Audit of your existing processes First, map your current processes. Then, identify major friction points. Next, quantify impacts on your performance. Finally, prioritize corrective actions.
Standardization of your operating procedures Subsequently, formalize your best practices. Notably, create clear and visual instructions. Similarly, validate these procedures with your business experts. Finally, deploy them across all your teams.
Training your collaborators In parallel, train your teams in new methods. In particular, use appropriate educational materials. Thanks to Picomto, this training becomes interactive and engaging.
5.2. Progressively digitalize your operations
Secondly, integrate appropriate digital tools. In this respect, Picomto greatly facilitates this transition.
Dematerialization of your instructions First, digitize your paper operating procedures. Then, enrich them with explanatory photos and videos. Moreover, make them accessible on tablets and smartphones. Thus, your operators always have the right information.
Automation of data collection Simultaneously, connect your equipment to retrieve data. For example, interface your machines with your information system. This way, you have real-time indicators.
Creation of operational dashboards Finally, build visual and intuitive dashboards. In particular, display essential KPIs for each workstation. Thanks to this visibility, your teams manage their performance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, manufacturing operations management radically transforms your industrial performance. In fact, it solves your daily challenges while preparing the future.
Actually, Picomto constitutes the ideal entry point for this transformation. Indeed, our solution immediately digitalizes your work instructions. Consequently, you obtain measurable results from the first weeks.
Your immediate benefits with Picomto:
- Complete standardization of your critical processes
- Accelerated training of your new recruits
- Significant reduction of operator errors
- Continuous improvement based on data
Don’t remain waiting for the “great transformation project.” On the contrary, start today by digitalizing your most critical instructions. This way, you progressively build your factory of the future.
FAQ
What is production operations management?
It’s the complete orchestration of all your processes to optimize the manufacturing of your products.
What is a manufacturing operations management system?
A set of tools and methods that coordinate task planning, execution and control of your production.
What are the four types of operations management?
Strategic planning, operational execution, quality control and continuous process improvement.
What are the stages of production management?
Plan needs, execute manufacturing, control quality and continuously improve.
What is the purpose of production management?
To produce the right quantity, at the right time, with required quality and at optimal cost.
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