Learn how the 7 WCM management tools work

One of the main objectives of organizations is to increase their profitability, but it is important to know that this is not such an easy action. Therefore, today we have separated for you some main concepts about WCM so that you understand how it can help in best management practices and so that you define your goals.

But do you know what Word Class Manufacturing is? Let's find out now how this program can help manage your organization, always seeking to reduce the amount of waste.

"World Class Manufacturing" arose from the need for Westerners to enter the competitive market after the success of the Toyota Production System. Thus, we can say that WCM is an adaptation of Lean Manufacturing that seeks to meet the needs of the West.

WCM is based on three fundamental elements for its operation. They are:

• Systematic combat of each waste and loss throughout the chain (client-supplier-suppliers)
• People's involvement and respective development of their skills and
• Strict use of appropriate methods and tools for process inefficiencies.

Understanding the functioning of WCM tools and how they can help the results of organizations, in general, is essential for the success of your career.

For you to stay on top of all WCM content, we have separated in this article some topics full of information. Check it out!

• How to identify losses with WCM tools
• Loss intelligence
• Eradication of losses
• Loss prevention
• Do you want to know how to become a Word-Class professional?

How to identify losses with WCM tools

Losses can be described as activities in the company that add cost, but do not add value to the product.

Example: you want to add a differential to the packaging of your product, but this will incur the price increase. How can we act in such a situation?

WCM guides a production that thinks about the environment, reducing waste. Therefore, when such a question arises, the employee needs to know if the customer needs it if he wants it from the customer's wishes the company develops its products and services.

Thinking about this type of optimization, the program uses some tools that are the basis of the technical and managerial pillars and that help in the three stages of the process management system.

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Loss intelligence

The first step to follow for the improvement process is to identify losses and efficiency potential.

With this, you will have answers to evaluate the percentage of improvement of the process and what benefits can be obtained at the end of the month. In addition, you will have a direction of the problem and know where to focus first.

At this stage of the process, what do you need to do?

• Look for a potential loss
• Relate improvements to financial gains
• Have a clear attack plan.

Which WCM tools can you use in the Loss Intelligence step?

Value Flow Mapping

It's a diagram that lists all the steps involved in the flow of materials and information to serve customers in their purchase process.

This diagram can be drawn at different stages and reveals opportunities for improvement in future processes.

Cost Deployment

It is a method that works on Administration and Control systems and seeks effectiveness by identifying losses in the production system.

With the use of this method, it is possible to prioritize the correction of losses by the greatest potential for cost reduction.

Eradication of losses

After identifying the potential losses, the time has come to attack each project included in the first stage’s action plan.

At this stage, it is important to focus on the root of each project's problem to reduce that specific loss, and use the appropriate tool to solve it. In addition, the participation of the company's employees is important.

At this stage of the process, what do you need to do?

Eradicate losses through a step-by-step approach.

Which WCM tools can you use in the Loss Eradication step?

• PDCA

It's a method used for management with a focus on improvement. The main objective of using this method is to control and improve processes in an effective and continuous way.

• Kaizen

In Japanese, Kaizen is translated as "continuous improvement". This methodology suggests that our way of life, both in the professional and personal environment, should be focused on a continuous improvement effort.

This process involves everyone, from managers to workers, and seeks to achieve the concept of low expenditure.

Loss prevention

The last step in process improvement is the use of WCM tools that help maintain all the work done in the first two steps.

It is necessary to ensure a maintenance system to prevent processes from returning to their original state, so we guarantee the functioning of the WCM cycle - we identify the loss, eradicate and prevent it.

At this stage of the process, what do you need to do?

Introduce a system to maintain earnings and ensure a permanent culture of change.

Which WCM tools can you use in the Loss Prevention step?

• POP (Standard Operating Procedure)

It's a set of written instructions that seeks to document a repetitive routine or activity that happens within an organization.

The documentation may contain scheduled and technical actions such as analysis, maintenance, calibration and use of equipment.

• Flowchart

It is a graphical representation of the stages of a process, which enables an analysis of limits and boundaries and provides a global view of where the product goes.

A flowchart’s structure is made with geometric symbols that represent which materials, services or resources are involved in the processes, and which directions must be followed to achieve the traced results.

• 5S

It is a program that aims at a participatory character, being a tool to educate people easily, simply and effectively within the workplace.

The basis of the WCM tool system aims to restore basic equipment and process conditions, in addition to implementing minor improvements. It's based on five senses that come from Japanese words:

• Seiri: use
• Seiton: organization
• Seiso: cleaning
• Seiketsu: conservation and
• Shitsuke: self-discipline.

Do you want to know how to become a Word-Class professional?

So far you have managed to absorb all the knowledge of WCM tools, especially if you have read the articles we have about each of them now it's time to become a qualified world-class professional effectively and continuously

Continue to specialize in the Lean Six Sigma methodology and take the next step for your professional recognition now! With the advancement of tools and techniques from Green Belt to Black Belt you will be able to delve even deeper into this methodology, offer greater results to organizations, consequently being a prominent professional in the market!