Support Functions Should Focus on Serving Production Processes

Support Function departments include all departments that exist to support production activity but do not produce product themselves (maintenance, marketing, purchasing, warehouse, accounting, environmental, etc.) If these departments do not understand how they create value or link to the production process, their workflow may take on a life of its own, rather than focus on creating the most value for the entire value stream.

IMPROVED RELATIONSHIPS...

...between Production and Support Functions and between Support Function groups is a great benefit. When support groups do not communicate well between each other, the entire company suffers.

Support Groups have TWO OPPORTUNITIES TO STREAMLINE their work flow and add value – within their own department and, more importantly, how well they serve their internal and external customers (i.e., how they manage their touchpoints). Significant hidden value or losses (i.e., failure costs) occur and a culture based on “organizational silos” develops if “customer or supplier requirements” between Production and supporting departments have not been defined.

Department managers must proactively co-manage these touchpoints for maximize efficiency, minimum cost and high quality workflow and communications. Process flows, process orientation, customer/supplier requirements, and critical measures are all tools that can be used to strengthen these touchpoints and increase organizational effectiveness. I have helped many departments better support their production departments and measure/improve their own performance. I personally eliminated a 7-year communication barrier between two critical support groups using process flows, process orientation, delay measures, and better communications. Talk to me about how we might work together to remove the barriers that are preventing smooth workflow and communications in your company.