September 2007 PDM

It’s All about Flow:
Restructuring your Organization
to Succeed in Lean Manufacturing

How do some companies move faster and farther with Lean Manufacturing than others?  Most of us can speak the language, are familiar with the tools and the techniques.  It is relatively easy to get a burst of improved results from applying Lean tools.  A major factor in success is the realization that the organization, its structure and the way decisions are made must change.  Organizational success is measured by the degree to which the new practices are in place, new processes are accepted and old processes have disappeared.

Lean Manufacturing requires an organization to change much of its hardwiring.  It is not just a set of tools, a training program or a technique.  It is a way of life.  As in any great change it requires a certain amount of faith. Nowhere is this faith more important than in the top management team.  Lean Manufacturing is much more than a change management program.  It should be apparent to all levels of the organization prior to, during and after the transformation that this is not a normal program and that there is a full commitment to it.  The changes for a truly lean operation are so great, that some experts believe this change is only possible if the company believes that it is in a crisis.

Steve Shiffer, CPIM

Steve’s career in supply chain management spans over 30 years with several major corporations including TRW, Cummins, Warner Bros, and AB Volvo.  During this time, he has seen industry move from large main frame computers with punch cards to current fully integrated, end-to-end software that enables global companies to have real-time information 24/7.

He is currently Global Logistics Project Manager with AB Volvo Powertrain.  Steve held the positions of Executive Director of Operations, Director of Customer Service, partner in a consulting firm and materials manager.  Steve has lived and worked in Europe several times during the past ten years and has managed projects that spanned five continents.  These experiences have helped him to develop a multi-cultural perspective of business.

Steve has a BS in Anthropology and Economics from SUNY Brockport and has done post-graduate work at Penn State University and D’Youville College.

Other speaking engagements have included speaking at international supply chain conferences in Detroit, Tampa and Denver.  He has conducted supply chain seminars and workshops in North America and the United Kingdom.  He is scheduled to speak at the 2007 APICS International Conference and Expo this October.  Throughout his career, Steve has been a strong advocate of being great at the basics before leveraging technology to improve your business.

Meeting Information:

Monday, September 10, 2007, 6:00pm

6:00-6:30pm - Registration , Networking & Buffet Dinner
6:30-6:45pm - Announcements
6:45-8:00pm - Presentation

University of Richmond
Jepson Center
Richmond, Virginia

The Jepson Center is building #49 at the bottom of the Campus Map.

Cost:

$15 per person, for members, guests and visitors, payable by cash or check at the door.
Please make checks out to "Richmond APICS".

Reservations:

Please signup with Michael Kurze at President@APICSrichmond.org by Monday, November 10.

Directions and Map:

Directions from Chippenham Turnpike:  Turn north onto Huguenot Road (VA Route 147), and cross over the Huguenot Bridge (James River).  Take the first left (light) onto River Road; then take the 2nd right which is College Road. Follow College Road and enter the University from Westhampton Gate, taking an immediate right onto Crenshaw Road.

Campus Map: Click here to see a University of Richmond campus map.  The Jepson Center is building #49 at the bottom of the map.