Lean manufacturing webinar to focus on four themes

Four key themes are likely to dominate Food Manufacture’s lean and green food manufacturing webinar, to take place at 11am on Tuesday April 26, according to Jeremy Praud, partner with Lauras International.

The themes likely to feature in the free, one-hour online seminar were: Going beyond compliance, encourage change across the whole business, understanding the size of the prize and how audits support lean manufacturing.

“Working together with the auditor for mutual benefit is vital,” Praud told FoodManufacture.co.uk. “But the ultimate goal is to 'go beyond compliance' with the audit to make sustainable improvement that helps grow the business.”

'Go beyond compliance'

The second theme reflected a culture change within the organisation, said Praud, whose firm is sponsoring the webinar.

“Championing lean and green within the organisation', engagement and ownership are critical to success and sustainability,” he added.

Understanding the size of the prize – the monetary value of savings – was also likely to be a theme. “Businesses should gauge the true financial value - not just the lost opportunity or environmental status,” he said.

“That should help both focus the improvement agenda and motivate teams.”

'Competitive advantage'

Finally Praud expected the webinar to highlight the fact that audits will help bring rigour and structure to fast-moving consumer goods firms’ 'lean approach' to manufacturing, moving from securing quick wins to competitive advantage.

“The key to making this transition successfully is to ensure the sequence,” he said. “That means focusing your time, effort and financial investment in your lean manufacturing programme to ensure it is tailored to your specific environment and is cash positive within 12 months.”

The free-to-attend webinar will be broadcast at 11am on Tuesday April 26. Book your free place here. 

Taking part will be representatives from Greencore and Marks & Spencer. Read the full speaker list in the box below.