Implement Quick Win Solutions: From Small Steps to Big Changes
Big change often has small beginnings. For enFocus, we understand that every step in the right direction has a considerable impact on the future of an organization. As organizations prepare for big changes, enFocus Fellows often implement quick-win solutions as bigger plans come to fruition. Insulation Components, an enFocus sponsor, is a leading manufacturer of insulated shields, blocks, and inserts for plumbing, HVAC, and mechanical insulation industries. enFocus in collaboration with iNDustry Labs is working alongside them in a myriad of different projects ranging from time studies, automation implementation support, and connecting them with local resources to execute on high impact projects.
Insulation Components is seeking to keep pace with the increasing customer demand for insulation shields by improving the efficiency of their product production line. enFocus Fellow Alexis Hu collaborated with Insulation Components to find inefficiencies and propose both short-term and long-term solutions to help them produce more parts. First, Alexis gathered information to create a current state analysis, and visited the manufacturing site to gather information on each step in the production process.
Her attention to detail outlined the current state of Insulation Components’ process and identified opportunities for improvement. From her results, Alexis provided a detailed breakdown and timed production process. While Insulation Components' ultimate goal is to fully automate their production process, Alexis and the enFocus team saw opportunities for quick-wins that will help Insulation Components keep up with customer demands while preparing for the full implementation of their automated product line.
Alexis expands on the types of quick-win solutions they are implementing. She says, “We proposed that Insulation Components adopt a pallet-style decoiler. The impact-to-cost ratio is improved by reduction in change-over time with added benefits of being less strenuous and improving safety for employees. Together, we are implementing the punching machine as a priority because it will increase their competitiveness in their customer market and sales.”
The quick-win solutions Alexis is implementing with Insulation Components will increase their competitiveness, productivity, and safety for their employees. Not only will Insulation Components make more of their products, but they will also help employees advance their skill and bandwidth as they adopt new technologies.
Alexis emphasizes the importance of automation and how it will holistically drive the impact of the entire business. She shares, “Automation empowers employees to learn new skills and increase their work capacity. By streamlining processes and freeing up their valuable time, automation creates new opportunities for manufacturing employees to focus on creativity, innovation, and higher-value tasks, ultimately driving greater success for both individuals and businesses.”
The measures Insulation Components takes now will help them achieve their long term goals. As they work to implement Alexis’ full plan, Insulation Components is taking steps to save time and keep up with product demands. Not only are they excited to advance their production, but they look forward to the increased opportunities for their employees and their surrounding communities as they catalyze change.
Interested in learning how your organization can implement quick-win solutions with enFocus? See our services to learn more.
