Reflective Dairy Paper - Essay Example

? Reflective Diary Operations Managment_6 ppt- JIT Through the operation management presentations, I understand that anything that does not add value from the point of view of the customer is waste. Examples are inspection, storage, delay, defective products and queuing. Just in Time (JIT) is a mechanism employed to ensure smooth and timely delivery of parts to the next process. The key objective of this procedure is to minimize the time lag between customer order and cash collection. Moreover, there are steps designed to reduce the process waiting time. The first is analyzing g flowcharts of processes. Use of technology may be utilized to do away with unnecessary tasks that increase the time lug . An instance is the utilization of databases in place of manual and traditional filing systems for data storage in hospitals. Another step would be the use of flow cells or ordinary admission to all resources necessary for processing. I have also understood that in the ancient times, in order to produce a new product, it required company shut down and change. This set up time may be significantly lessened through preparation before the process. Over eighty percent decrease, in set up time is achievable through designing for preparations and manufacturability. Clear differences arise between traditional method of reducing downtime and JIT method. In the traditional method, there exists corrective maintenance, then experts carry out process, equipment speed is fast, and the method only runs one shift. On the other hand, JIT involves preventive maintenance, equipment operators carry it out, the equipment speed is slow, and the operations run for 24 hours. Furthermore, distance reduction concept arises whereby long production lines and large lots with machinery with a single purpose are recently being replaced by more flexible, smaller cells. They are U- shaped such that the paths are shorter. This shape improves communication. The mode also utilizes group technology concepts. Another feature of JIT is increased flexibility. This involves change of cells, which were originally designed to be rearranged as designs or volume. It is applicable in production settings or office environments. It also supports both process and product improvement. In addition, employees are cross-trained for efficiency and flexibility. There is also improved communications, which enhance the dissemination of vital information about the process. Employees are also empowered, and there is teamwork among employees. When it comes to suppliers, JIT partnerships occur when a purchaser and supplier work hand in hand to reduce costs and remove waste. The potential problems of using JIT are that it is used in continuous processes and repetitive operations. JIT also requires a high level of discipline for its effective implementation. The concept is also based on trust and cooperation. In addition, it requires a philosophy change. Lastly, JIT is not highly conducive to a scenario where the true market position entails unique products. In this scenario, MRP system is more applicable. Week 9- Transformation Systems Design and Layout Analysis In week nine, I learnt that transformation Systems Design and Layout Analysis consider alternative forms of transformation and choose the best one based on the desired results. Layout analysis aims at maximizing the effectiveness and efficiency of operations. Flow shop is related to continuous process apart from distinct product produced. Other features are heavily computerised special purpose apparatus. Both products and services can utilize the flow shop mode of processing. The flow shop method has advantages such as low unit cost caused by focused equipment of high volume, reduced labour rates, bulk purchasing, low cost inventories conducted within the company, and easy managerial control. Disadvantages of flow shop are numerous. Some outputs have a high level of obtaining complexity. Another is complexity in altering the rate of output. Minimal changes in design may require necessary alterations to the equipment. Another disadvantage is absenteeism and worker boredom and non- challenging tasks. The process is also prone to breakdown of equipment as well as requiring a huge support staff. In addition, the design, planning, and installation are very difficult tasks. The flowshop layout entails an objective of group assignment of tasks. The different tasks allocated to each group ought to take approximately the same time duration to undertake. The final assembly functions with augmented labour inputs that are easily subdivided. The lay out also contains paced versus unpaced lines. Business Process Reengineering entails the breaking down of tasks into its easiest and most fundamental tasks. Continuous performance of the same activity results in attaining greater skill. Innovation, quality, value, and service are more necessary than growth, cost, and control. The process involves a set of activities that when combined create a customer value- added result. Another process is organizing such that delays and errors are eliminated when work is transferred. Information is also captured at source and on time. When employees closest to process undertake tasks, there is limited need for overhead of management. Operations Management- week 7- Design of Products and Services I learnt that the first stage in product design is the selection stage that is made up of the generation of idea and selection and screening processes. The second stage is the service and product design stage, which is subdivided into preliminary design, testing of prototype, and final design. The final stage is process design. In addition, the preliminary design can be evaluated and improved in a number of ways such as through deployment of quality function, value engineering, and Taguchi methods. Preliminary design contains a series of actions such as tradeoffs analysis, modularity, standardization, and computer- aided design. Tradeoffs analysis takes into consideration factors such as cost, function, shape and size, appearance, reliability, quality, producability, environmental impact, accessibility, timing, and input requirements of recipients. Standardization is advantageous since it reduces the quantity of equipment setups, reduces quantity of parts required to stock, the operations procedures are made easier, Larger purchases result to quantity discounts, and repair and service problems are minimized. Supply Chain Management (SCM) According Supply Chain (SC) is defined as all the activities that are entailed in supplying the final customer with a service or product. SC entails the organizational network that delivers raw materials to the business unit, the network of customers, and the business unit itself. The goal of SCM is to deliver the correct product to the essential place at the best time while achieving profit maximization. I have also appreciated the concept of SCM, as it leads to strategic advantages of in regard to SC costs contributing to over 50% of overall operating costs for numerous organizations. I have come to know the various basis of performance measurement includes delivery- on time and the required completion level, on the requested date. The organisational structure can be improved by backward or forward integration, which entails ownership changing within the chain of suppliers. Process simplification can be achieved through business processes re- engineering, which includes changes in configuration involving, the location and number of factories suppliers. I now clearly understand that deep caution should be taken when choosing the supplier. A reliable supplier makes timely deliveries with the required quantity and quality at fair prices. The supplier should be able to respond to unexpected alterations such as decrease or increase in demand or schedules of delivery. The most effective method of lowering total cost is to assist vital suppliers to diminish their costs in harmony with the learning curve. Through the presentations, I know and appreciate the benefits of Vertical integration. Firstly, the quality of products or services significantly improves due to proximity of operations to suppliers and customers. Secondly, speed is improved due to forecasting and synchronization. Thirdly, there is augmented dependability caused by more realistic promises and improved communications. In addition, it has become clear that outsourcing has its own positive and negative aspects. The advantages are that it leads to freeing up of cash, which can be applied on key activities. Secondly, there is maximum utilization of equipment, knowledge, and experience of third party. In addition, there arises increased flexibility since the changes in workload can be managed more conveniently. Because of outsourcing, there arise more cantered initial processes in the organization. Lastly, the perception of a third party in the running of the organization reduces the risk of short- sightedness or introvert thinking. On the contrary, there are also disadvantages associated with outsourcing. Firstly, there arises over- dependence on suppliers. The others include communication risks and complications, risk of relinquishing vital strategic knowledge, information leakage and the process is hugely demanding since it requires continuous monitoring and follow- up of the supplier relationship. References FRAZELLE, E. (2002). Supply chain strategy the logistics of supply chain management. New York, McGraw-Hill. CHOPRA, S., & MEINDL, P. (2001). Supply chain management: strategy, planning, and operation. Upper Saddle River, N.J., Prentice Hall. HUGOS, M. H. (2003). Essentials of supply chain management. Hoboken, N.J., John Wiley & Sons. http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&scope=site&db=nlebk&db=nlabk&AN=81967 Read More