Implementing product flow in a traditional batch and queue operation
Develop people and improve processes, achieving dramatic performance gains through a lean transformation centered on cultural change; employ lean principles and lean management systems, engaging associates in needed improvements; deploy cross-functional process improvement teams and empower them to make decisions for improving productivity, flow and quality.
Learn how to transform a traditional batch and queue operation with an entitlement culture to an engaged, team-based, continuous flow environment built on the foundation of lean principles and lean management systems. Recognize the power of effective leadership, coaching and communication as you energize and inspire associates in a lean transformation centered on cultural change. Gain insights into the formation of cross-functional process Improvement teams (PITs), empowered with decision-making for enhanced quality, productivity and flow. Learn how teams engaged in kaizen events transform process obstacles into opportunities for improving/developing people and processes. Hear about results engaged, positive people can achieve through systematic, daily improvements, such as a 50 percent inventory reduction, along with a 25 percent decrease in leadtime, 35 percent labor improvement and 50 percent yield increase, while increasing production output 40 percent. These results were achieved during a period when they were crucial to Alcon’s success.
As a global leader in eye care, Alcon develops and manufactures innovative medicines and devices to serve the full life cycle of eye care needs. The company offers a broad spectrum of surgical, pharmaceutical and vision care products to treat many eye diseases and conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, retinal diseases, dry eye, eye infection, eye inflammation, ocular allergies, refractive errors and other health issues. Alcon has more than 24,000 associates in 75 countries. www.Alcon.com
David Hurley is the associate director of operations at Alcon Huntington’s AODC-N facility in Lesage, WV. He oversees an operation of approximately 200 associates who manufacture Monarch® Delivery Systems and the sterilization and packaging of Alcon Huntington’s ophthalmic devices. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Cork Institute of Technology-Ireland, an M.S. degree in technology management from Marshall University and lean six sigma black belt certification. Hurley has worked for Alcon Research 16 years.
