These things are complicated enough in the USA but when you enter into the emerging markets of global supply and demand it becomes even more difficult. Understanding of cultural differences, mutual respect, and a willingness to find resolution seems to be particularly difficult for many companies.
It becomes even more complicated in the automotive sector where the old "My way or the highway" has been the standard.
Let LIM guide your global vision with our knowledge and experience in these areas.
Efficient internal audits and more importantly, effective implementation of corrective actions from audits, is many times a struggle for companies that are faced with the need to remain as lean as possible in order to supply components at a profit within the automotive sector. Internal audits must be done regularly and consistently. If this is not being done, then contracting the audits is an option.
LIM can provide full service management of all internal audit activities for 9001, TS-16949, & 14001 systems, work with your audit staff to ensure effective auditing and corrective action response, or simply do a one time review of your audit process and streamline the activity. ---- Auditors on staff are 3rd party certified through IRCA ----
A Gap Analysis report can be helpful to determine compliance to a given standard. This approach should be used regularly to seek continuous improvement in a mature system and is necessary when transitioning to a new system or integrating existing systems.
See our Business Management Systems preview if you are transitioning or integrating.
(It may turn out to be more cost effective)
-A formalized and mature Business Management System is only as good as the continuous improvement efforts that are built into the system
-Relying on documentation alone will only impart a sense of complacency to the management team
-Designing a system/process that is self-energizing will ensure that the organization remains in a mode of continuous improvement
-The energy for this system must come from and be endorsed by the highest levels of managementWith that endorsement, LIM can design a program that will provide improvements in process and subsequent cost savings while at the same time prompting management to seek these opportunities on an ongoing basis.
LIM can help you to identify resources, utilize tools, and subsequently implement a vision as the organizational standard:
We utilize the requirements of ISO 9001, TS-16949, ISO 14001 as opportunities rather than the "necessary evil" to assist companies and their suppliers with continuous improvement opportunities and have developed a small network of associates that have wide and varied capabilities to accomplish this goal. These associates come from key positions within the major automotive companies and also from Tier 1 suppliers to Ford, General Motors, Chrysler, Honda, and Toyota.
Always giving advice and counsel to do the "right things for the right reasons", we can assist in the following areas with effective and capable results saving time, human resources, and economic resources.
Examples of continuous improvement efforts where LIM can assist:
- Improve the effectiveness of your Corrective and Preventive Action activities including a simple method to verify these endeavors
- A “fresh eyes” approach to your Management Review System to simplify and more effectively apply this important communication tool
- Determining “self-managing” goals in all departments to ensure that the organizational needs/objectives are met
- Rethink processes to reduce scrap/rework, improve quality, increase customer satisfaction, increase employee satisfaction, and increase throughput
- Objectively review processes for robustness to ensure consistency and obtain the desired result
- Program Management and Launch Readiness activities to ensure that error-proofing and verification steps are included in the process and more importantly, are effective
- Development and certification of supplier base. With the variety of staff and experience at LIM, we can objectively provide all necessary documentation to ensure the quality and delivery capabilities of a supplier prior to new program launch
