Member Article

DD Scientific looks forward to a ‘Leaner’ future

~~Fareham-based DD Scientific (DDS) is already seeing the benefits of a number of LEAN business improvements after recently commissioning the services of Gosport-based LEAN business specialists, Fedden USP.

Fedden USP delivered a LEAN Business Improvements Techniques Workshop consisting of eight full-day sessions over a period of three months. The initial five-day workshop introduced the theory of LEAN and how to apply it in a ‘live’ business environment; this was followed by three days of hands-on project support to assist with the implementation of any projects identified in the initial workshop.

DDS is a world leading electrochemical gas sensor manufacturer and was keen to improve efficiencies within its processes. As a result of the LEAN training, the firm undertook a major change in the layout of its production processes and introduced a number of new standardised processes including problem solving, Statistical Process Control quality analysis, equipment concern reporting and follow-up, and accident near miss reporting. An accident status display was also introduced, as well as quality concern visual aids and a LEAN communication board displaying the output of the newly installed processes and progress against the LEAN initiatives identified, which initially totalled 19 improvement opportunities. Roger Davies, Production Manager at DDS commented: “This is the first time we have ever undertaken any LEAN training and I am delighted with the results so far. We now have a significantly revised and improved Production layout, reducing movement and contributing to team working and I’m sure we can now build on these results through continuous improvement as we move forward.”

Bryan Palmer, LEAN Consultant with Fedden USP added: “It was a pleasure to work with the team at DDS who were all keen to learn about the LEAN techniques from the outset. I believe the training will have given them the confidence to pass on what they have learnt to their colleagues, which should result in further process improvements in the future.”

For further information on LEAN training workshops, contact Neil Fedden on 07899 971183 / 01489 611603, email neil@fedden-usp.co.uk or visit www.fedden-usp.co.uk .

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(Image of Neil Fedden, MD and Principal Consultant at Fedden USP)

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Colin Bridgman .