Performance has long since been a measure of success in this Industry. That hasn’t changed. What has changed are the Key Performance Indicators and how they are measured. There’s no mistake about it—the industry is seeing a shift—a move toward a measured performance marketplace. Achieving sustainable improvement is entirely possible; in fact it can be relatively simple. It will however, require some extra planning to determine quantifiable easures on your part as a business owner. To be effective, establishing ways to measure performance in all areas is key, whether it is cycle time, labour efficiency or increased sales volume.
For purposes of this discussion we’ll look at three ways to improve performance
Loose work schedules, the “just get it done” deadline structures and the good old “it’s done when it’s done” are just not good enough any more. The main reason they don’t work is because they’re not addressing the systemic gaps in performance. To start, understand your current repair cycle time, how it’s defined from all angles and how to best measure improvements to achieve optimal results.
When someone or something causes a lag and the shop falls behind on a job, you want to know why so it doesn’t happen again. Was it an equipment problem, an employee problem, or an organizational problem? The answer to that question, especially if it keeps popping up over and over again, is extremely valuable. Institute standard procedures for the entire production staff with checks, balances and sign-offs, and you’ll be making gains in no time.
3. Add value first: Business Development is essential to thriving or surviving in your business. However, if your team is not completely focused on adding value, then you simply will not have sustainable business results.
The people who work for you may have great ideas on how to improve your business but never say anything because they are afraid to speak up or there is no forum. Set up a regular time to bring these ideas to the table. Invite everyone to participate and reinforce that there are no bad ideas. It’s also a great way to build and reinforce culture.
This approach makes employees feel they are heard and valued which may encourage them to take a bigger hand in the company’s future. When doing these exercises, challenge your people to think about the customers needs first. You may get off to a slow start, but after several collaborative sessions you will have an abundance of new ways to add value to the customer. After all, there is no KPI more important than customer loyalty.
Adopting performance measures will help your business advance, stabilize, and make money. Your business will not only survive in the changing marketplace, it will thrive. That means less career stress, and the quality of your life will improve. And best of all, doing these things is… simple.