Kansas City, Kan. – With manufacturers across the country looking to save costs in every place possible, it's no wonder that lean manufacturing and safety have become the cornerstone of financially responsible business practices. Saving thousands on inventory, resources and workers' compensation claims, these programs have aided many companies in surviving the recession. The 2010 Compensation Data Manufacturing survey results found that 69.7 percent of manufacturing companies utilize lean manufacturing practices.
Of the various lean manufacturing practices used, 5S programs were most prevalent at 69.2 percent. This was followed by Six Sigma and Kaizen at 58.6 percent and 55.7 percent, respectively. Value Stream mapping was used by 47.3 percent of manufacturers. Survey respondents employed Kanban at a rate of 40.6 percent. Takt Time Analysis was used the least, 22.1 percent.
"By implementing lean manufacturing practices, companies gain the potential to save thousands while increasing their bottom lines," said Amy Kaminski, director of marketing for Compdata Surveys, the nation's leading compensation and benefits survey data provider. "Keeping production and quality levels high, while minimizing waste, will be the key to remaining competitive as the economic climate improves."
Many manufacturers have also found value in obtaining ISO 9000 certification. To gain certification, companies must follow procedures established by the International Standards Organization to ensure quality products. According to the newly released results, 56.4 percent of organizations have obtained ISO 9000 certification. Of those who have obtained certification, durable goods companies reported the largest percentage, 67.5 percent. This was followed by non-durable goods manufacturers at 46.2 percent.
Promoting safety is still a key cost saving element as 50.5 percent of organizations offer gift certificates, rewards or merchandise as an incentive. Safety awards or certificates are employed by 44.7 percent of manufacturers. Survey respondents reported using bonuses to promote safety at a rate of 27.1 percent. Safety bingo is used by 8 percent of companies.
About the Survey
Compensation Data 2010 Manufactur
