QRM Business Process Optimization Improving Support Operations with Advanced Cell Design

This two-day workshop dives deeper into the design and implementation of Quick Response Office Cells (Q-ROCs) to streamline office operations and reduce lead times in quoting, design, and order processing for high-mix, low-volume, or custom-engineered products. Participants will learn advanced strategies to identify and eliminate office process bottlenecks, integrate QRM principles, and redesign workflows to improve overall business performance. Enhanced with hands-on exercises, simulations, and new case studies, this course will provide actionable insights to significantly reduce office lead times and increase competitiveness.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the fundamentals of Quick Response cells and their role in reducing lead times across shop floor and office operations.
• Learn strategies for cross-training employees to maximize flexibility and foster a culture of empowerment and accountability.
• Gain insights into effectively managing cell teams, including resource planning, scheduling, and task delegation.
• Explore techniques for overcoming resistance to change and successfully transitioning to a cell-based structure.
• Develop actionable plans for enhancing team dynamics, promoting collaboration, and driving continuous improvement.
• Learn best practices from real-world examples to implement Quick Response cells in diverse manufacturing environments.

Day 1: Fundamentals and Office Cell Design

1. Introduction to QRM and Office Cells
• Overview of QRM fundamentals and how they apply to office environments.
• Understanding the Four Core Principles of QRM and their impact on office operations.
• Importance of office cells as part of the QRM strategy.
2. Advanced Office Cell Design
• Design Principles: Incorporate system dynamics and process redesign techniques to optimize office workflows.
• Reducing Hand-offs: Techniques to minimize interruptions, redundancies, and rework within office operations.
• Simulations and Exercises: Use interactive exercises to design a sample office cell layout, including resource allocation and workflow mapping.
3. Financial Justification of Office Cells
• Calculating the ROI of office cell implementation: costs versus benefits analysis.
• Understanding non-financial benefits such as employee engagement and improved customer satisfaction.
4. Real-World Case Studies of Office Cell Implementation
• Examination of case studies showing successful office cell implementations in various industries.
• Lessons learned and best practices from companies that have reduced lead times and improved process efficiency.
• Group discussion on how to apply insights from case studies to participants’ own office environments.

Day 2: Implementation, Tools, and Overcoming Challenges 5. Cross-Training and Empowering Office Teams

5. Cross-Training and Empowering Office Teams

• The importance of cross-training to build flexible, multi-skilled office teams.
• Strategies to foster a culture of ownership and accountability within office cells.
• Group activities focused on designing cross-training plans and role rotations to enhance team dynamics.

6. Implementing Quick Response Office Cells (Q-ROCs)

• Step-by-step roadmap for Q-ROC implementation tailored to different organizational sizes and complexities.
• Workshop session: Participants create action plans for Q-ROC implementation in their companies.
1. Advanced Tools and Techniques from Other QRM Applications
• Integrating POLCA for Office Operations: Leveraging the visual card-based system to manage flow and prevent backlogs in office environments.
• Utilizing Manufacturing Critical-path Time (MCT) in Office Settings: Applying MCT Mapping to identify and eliminate time sinks in office processes.
2. Continuous Improvement and Business Process Redesign
• Tools for ongoing improvement: incorporating Kaizen and other QRM-driven methodologies into office cells.
• Managing shared resources and cross-departmental coordination to enhance process flow and responsiveness.
3. Overcoming Common Challenges in Office Cell Implementation
• Addressing resistance to change: strategies to engage staff and gain buy-in.
• Case studies on overcoming obstacles, including lack of process ownership, inadequate data flow, and misaligned performance metrics.
4. Workshop and Group Discussion: Customizing Solutions
• Group exercises where participants apply what they’ve learned to customize solutions for their specific office challenges.
• Peer feedback and expert guidance on implementation strategies.
5. Wrap-Up and Next Steps
• Recap of key learnings and action items.
• Q&A session to address specific participant questions and challenges.