The WCOM concept is interesting for every business leader, operational manager, or operator concerned with improving process efficiency. WCOM can indeed elevate your efficiency to a higher level. What exactly does the WCOM process entail and how can it be applied to your business? Keep reading to find out!
What is WCOM?
World Class Operations Management (WCOM) is an approach we see in many production environments. WCOM aims for optimal performance by implementing effective strategies and processes in the company. The goal is to maximize quality and efficiency while simultaneously identifying and eliminating waste. Furthermore, WCOM focuses on improving workflows, optimizing logistics, and promoting continuous improvement within the organization. All to gain a competitive advantage, reduce costs, and of course, increase customer satisfaction.
What methods can WCOM consist of?
Various methods can be employed in WCOM to achieve the desired results. In this regard, think of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and TPM (Total Productive Maintenance). By bringing together these innovative methods of continuous improvement, implementing WCOM can truly make a difference.
Lean Manufacturing
Only things that add value for the customer are considered important, especially concerning logistics within the organization. This is why Lean Manufacturing works on limiting or even eliminating ‘the seven wastes’. Tools used for this purpose include the 5S method and Value Stream Mapping (VSM).
Six Sigma
By reducing unwanted variation in the production process, the focus is on increasing and standardizing quality. Six Sigma aims to increase the likelihood of a good finalized product. The DMAIC tool is often used to achieve the right process improvements.
TPM
Total Productive Maintenance relies on tools such as OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) and SGA (Small Group Activity) to improve the performance of machines and production lines. This is done through small teams, each responsible for a part of the line and its efficiency. Continuous improvement is thus seen as a responsibility throughout the entire organization, resulting in optimal results.
What are the benefits of World Class Operations Management?
World Class Operations Management offers organizations the opportunity to achieve cost savings, increased quality, excellent customer satisfaction, and a strong competitive position. Specifically, an organization implementing WCOM benefits from the following advantages:
- Increased efficiency and cost savings
By implementing the right processes and systems, an organization can significantly increase operational efficiency, resulting in cost savings and improved productivity.
- Increased quality
By bringing together various methods, including Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing, WCOM combats waste and limits errors, thereby increasing the overall quality of the end product.
- Better customer satisfaction
With streamlined processes, it becomes easier to quickly respond to customer wants and needs. Customer satisfaction will therefore increase, along with loyalty.
- Strong competitive position
Where WCOM delivers more efficient processes, cost-saving operations, and consistent quality, a competitive advantage is also gained. Organizations distinguish themselves more quickly and achieve a strong position in the market.
- Engagement and culture of continuous improvement
With the right tools, training, and responsibilities, the entire organization is involved in WCOM. This leads to increased motivation among employees, encourages process confirmation, and fosters better collaborations.
How can I implement WCOM in my business?
Implementing WCOM in a business requires involvement from all departments throughout the organization. This means having clear and integrated goals that are achieved based on knowledge of the processes. By implementing all improvements in a central location, all employees are involved and informed in a timely manner about changes that bring the organization closer to its goals. Deviations that may lead to an improvement process should also be efficiently shared among departments. Not only for a suitable strategy, but also to always have complete data available in the event of audits. To keep track of both deviations, changes, and results in one place, the EZ-GO platform can be used. Are you asking yourself how exactly this works and how it can help your organization implement WCOM? We are happy to tell you more about it!