Today’s successful manufacturing organizations need to be agile and alert. Finding creative and efficient ways to control costs and meet budget requirements means process improvements that address changing business needs while being responsive to market fluctuations. For manufacturers with large, diverse workforces, better management of employee related costs is often the single most impactful way to support the principles of Lean Manufacturing and create lasting value for customers.

To meet the challenges of doing more with fewer resources while remaining competitive and increasing efficiencies, many manufacturing organizations have embarked on Lean Manufacturing Initiatives that focus on eliminating all waste in the manufacturing process. During the normal course of business, even the most disciplined manufacturing firms find themselves with an overproduction of goods leading to unnecessary and costly inventory, a mismatch of demand with output levels and inefficiencies related to both the manufacturing and distribution processes. These lean manufacturing initiatives and strategies can also be effectively applied toward a manufacturer’s largest controllable expense - its workforce. All too often, companies do not fully recognize or utilize the skills and capabilities of their own employees. There are significant business advantages and savings inherent in having the right people with the right skills available at the right time and at the best possible cost.

World-class manufacturers share a core focus on innovation, responsiveness, quality and cost effectively meeting demand. Often utilizing ‘best-of-breed’ specialty solutions, these firms leverage technology for maximum efficiency and contain costs through a manufacturing process and supply chain network that ultimately serves to enhance business performance. Empowering the workforce adds strategic value by streamlining supply chain, manufacturing and customer-centric processes to meet and exceed increasing customer expectations. People are critical to driving business performance and workforce optimization is a key element in maintaining competitive differentiation. Learn more in this whitepaper.