Delayed Visibility of Metrics Inhibits Manufacturing Improvements

Chandler, AZ and Cummaquid, MA November 10, 2011 – In most manufacturing companies, employees do not have visibility into performance to change outcomes during their work shift, or even at the end of it.  In a presentation to the MESA European Conference, Cambashi’s Tony Christian provided a sneak peek based on the first 100 responses to the on-line survey, Pursuit of Performance Excellence:  Business Success through Effective Plant Operations Metrics.  In this early data set, two-thirds of respondents report that their companies show metrics to operators, line workers, supervisors and those managing plant operations on a daily or less frequent basis.  In fact, only one in five respondents always provide line-level metrics to operators and technicians to make needed adjustments in their scope of control.  The ongoing research study is being conducted by Manufacturing Enterprise Solutions Association (MESA) International and Cambashi.

The preliminary findings show that one reason few companies can show employees’ performance results quickly enough to change outcomes is that nearly two-thirds find it necessary to have an analyst cleanse the data prior to analysis, and over 70% find it time-consuming to analyze and set up the data for visualization.  Further, 42% do not provide leading metrics that help to predict problems, but only lagging reporting of what has already happened.

Through November 14, MESA and Cambashi are seeking survey responses from companies in every country in the world and across all production industries.  Manufacturers and producers who participate will receive the MESA 2010 Study Summary report Metrics that Matter Revisited, as well as the full findings report for this study when it is available, Pursuit of Performance Excellence.  To respond and get this valuable information, anyone working for a manufacturing or production company can access the survey at http://bit.ly/oYWifJ. 

Premium funding sponsors for the study are: Rockwell Automation (www.rockwellautomation.com), SAP AG (www.sap.com), Solarsoft Business Systems (www.solarsoft.com) and Tata Consultancy Services (www.tcs.com).  Camstar (www.camstar.com) is a premium sponsor for semiconductor and medical device industry verticals.  IQity Solutions (www.iqitysolutions.com) is a supporting sponsor.  These companies have made a commitment to increase the manufacturing market’s understanding of best practices to pursue performance excellence and drive business improvement.  

About MESA www.mesa.org
MESA International is a global community of manufacturers, producers, industry leaders and solution providers who are focused on improving Operations Management capabilities through the effective application of technology solutions and best practices.

We accomplish this through the following:
•    Collect, share and publish best practices and guidance to drive greater productivity

      and the overall profitability of the manufacturing enterprise
•    Facilitate innovation and collaboration to enable the real-time enterprise and Plant

      to Enterprise (P2E) integration
•    Enable members to connect, contribute, cultivate understanding, and exchange

      strategies to drive operations excellence

About Cambashi www.cambashi.com
Cambashi, a leading global industry analyst and market consulting firm, prides itself on delivering compelling insights on the use of IT to address critical business issues in manufacturing, process, distribution, energy, utilities and construction industries. Cambashi's experienced team partners with clients to clarify and validate decisions, assess trends and articulate the drivers of value that impact businesses. Cambashi tailors its services to the needs of each client to improve collaboration and profitability across an organization and is known for being highly responsive, meeting deadlines and delivering high value. Leading global IT buyers and sellers benefit from Cambashi's unique combination of services, including global market data, professional development, industry training, primary research, and custom advisory services that guide clients to successful action.

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