Door and window manufacturers always should be looking to improve processes, but one expert recently said now is a crucial time to evaluate processes.”Let’s use this year to make our processes better so when the market picks back up we’ll be ready [and more efficient],” said William Tallman, president, William H. Tallman and Associates, who works with companies in various industries to improve their processes, spoke to a group of industry representatives earlier this year about how to do just that.

He said the models companies utilize today are not working well and provided a few specific steps companies can take to improve their processes. Following are a few of his strategies that companies can employ:
• Prepare a process map/flow chart of the process. Does each step add value? Is the customer willing to pay for it?
• Develop accurate up-to-date forecasts.

• Make sure your ERP system has a robust supply-chain model. “If you don’t have one you need to get one.”

• Implement a lead time reduction program. “Lead times are killing the industry as I see it.”

• Implement an inventory turnover improvement program (build to order). “My suggestion to you all is that we all have too much excess inventory. We have it ‘just in case.’”

• Train employees yearly. “Provide 60 hours of training per year per person.” Implement a performance-based lean and green initiative.

• Think long-term, not short. “For the short term we may need to lose money for a quarter or two but we need to stay in business.”

• Evaluate vendors. Investigate your vendor/supplier database. “Reduce the number to three [per component]. That way, if one fails you have a backup for that product.”

CLICK HERE for Tallman’s full presentation.