Twenty Helping Hands

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How to Prep your Manufacturing Business for the Holidays

Twenty Helping Hands

As the holiday season starts knocking on our doors, manufacturers are gearing up for a unique kind of hustle – ensuring their operations are as merry and efficient as Santa's workshop. So, let's chat about some savvy strategies and Lean principles that'll not only help you sail through but also make your manufacturing business shine during the festive hustle and bustle.


The Naughty and Nice List:

Assessing Your Current Processes Before the holiday hustle begins, it's crucial to assess your manufacturing processes. Identify the smoothly running areas and those in need of a touch of holiday magic. Then pinpoint bottlenecks and inefficiencies that could impact holiday production.



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Includes the first 3 steps to starting the Lean Journey for your facility!


Lean Manufacturing Diagram Example


Staffing Strategies: Elves for Every Task


  • September Staff Meeting: Plan ahead by meeting in September to review vacation schedules. Decide on paid or unpaid time off and effectively communicate this to your team.
  • Cross-Train Your Team: Ensure your team can handle multiple tasks, minimizing the impact of staff shortages during the holiday season.
  • Flexible Staffing Plan: Implement a flexible staffing plan to accommodate spikes in demand during the holiday rush.


Deck the Halls with Lean Techniques for Optimization

  • Implement 5S Principles: Transform your workspace using the principles of Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain. This ensures an organized and efficient environment.
  • Explore Value Stream Mapping: Streamline processes by mapping out the value stream. Identify and eliminate unnecessary steps to enhance overall efficiency.



the 5S Principles Diagram What are the 5S Principles in Lean Manufacturing


Stocking Up: Lean Inventory Management

  • Optimize Inventory Levels: Ensure your inventory meets holiday demand without excess. Keep only what's necessary to prevent overstocking.
  • Utilize Kanban Systems: Implement Kanban systems for just-in-time replenishment, minimizing excess inventory.


Tech the Halls: Leveraging Technology for Efficiency

  • Integrate Real-Time Monitoring: Utilize technology for real-time monitoring and communication, allowing you to stay informed and responsive
  • Explore Automation: Consider automation options to expedite repetitive tasks and enhance overall efficiency.


Holiday Cheer in the Workplace: Employee Engagement

  • Foster a Positive Culture: Create a positive and festive workplace culture to boost morale during the holiday season.
  • Recognize and Reward: Acknowledge and reward employees for their hard work, fostering a sense of appreciation and motivation.



Want to double production & revenue without new hires or equipment?


DOWNLOAD THE HANDOOK

indicates required

Intuit Mailchimp

Includes the first 3 steps to starting the Lean Journey for your facility!


Annual Assessment: Review, Reflect, and Plan

Take the opportunity during the holiday season to:

  • Review 2023 Goals & Objectives: Assess achievements and lessons learned.
  • Prepare 2024 Goals & Objectives: Use insights gained to prepare organizational and individual goals for the upcoming year.


By embracing these strategies, your manufacturing business can not only survive but thrive during the festive season, ensuring a happy and productive holiday for everyone involved.

Hello, I'm Matthew & as a lean manufacturing consultant in Chicago with over 2 decades of experience, I'm here to guide you on a journey of growth & scaling using the power of lean manufacturing & practical lean tools to skyrocket your business utilizing the tools you already have. 


The lean methodologies I teach has a target 10x ROI** by adopting a 'flow' over 'common' philosophy & instilling a human-first culture. 


Book complimentary call here.

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