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South Australian-based manufacturer of roller and plantation shutters Ozroll is investing in staff training with a focus on lean methodologies.
The company recently held a one-day Introduction to Lean Processes program, outlining the benefits of lean processes, how to implement and audit 5S principles and use problem-solving methodologies (including root cause analysis).
The Ozroll staff who completed the training represented a range of experience and skills, from first year employees to those with over 20 years experience included supervisors, leading hands, assembly staff, administration, and maintenance.
Ozroll CEO Chris Parkinson said the company’s interest in Lean Process Improvement has been longstanding and that he has pursued options for training and development that would generate the best benefit for the company, its clients and customers and its staff.
“At Ozroll asking ‘Why?’ is the best way we challenge our mindset; where we encourage and reward good ideas,” Chris told WFA.
“Discussions were very engaging, with attendees given the opportunity to share and discuss their views and ideas in an open, positive and constructive manner. Participants challenged the business-as-usual approach – ‘We have done things this way for a long time, why change now?’ They also discussed the concerns such as, ‘I am only one person, how can I influence the changes I think we need?’.”
Toni Wakefield, an Ozroll employee who participated in the program, said he enjoyed learning about the auditing system and what to look for to improve his area.
“The lean processes system highlights how changing mindsets, looking at things differently, working as a team, gathering data, analysing root causes, and applying problem solving methodology can change how and what the change conversation looks like in your business,” Wakefield said.
Christos Alexiadas, a Supervisor at Ozroll who also participated in the program, commented: “It was helpful getting a fresh perspective on ways to improve our areas and our workplace overall”.
“Attendees at the end of the day walked away, not only with more knowledge, but a willingness to work together, confidence to start looking at how and why they are doing their role, and most importantly, working as a team to achieve results.”
“I liked the way they tried to build structure, for example the audit paperwork as it gives us something to write down our concerns in key areas and the ability to fix them,” said Jesse Eleftheriou, another participant and Ozroll Technical Support co-ordinator.
Ozroll was also provided with a report on outcomes, points of interest, points for follow up, and next steps from here.
The course was delivered by industry training specialist Frontline.
“Having the opportunity to train in businesses, visit the business, have a guided tour through, makes the training more engaging and gives me the ability to use their own examples, that everyone can relate to,” Frontline National Lead Trainer, Cliff Hocking said.
“This means that people are learning, engaging in wanting to improve, and to do better. People always learn best in an environment they are comfortable in.”
“This has been very successful with our Certificate III Blinds, Awning, Security Screens and Grilles program which has been successful for many years and continues to expand. Regardless of their range of experience, all people can learn often as a simple refresher to get out of repetition and tunnel vision, which is what our short course/skillset training is targeted towards.”
Frontline has introduced short courses aimed at upskilling and qualifying the workforce in the window furnishing industry.
“The Window Furnishing Industry has a large workforce, a small percentage of whom are qualified, and thus lacks consistency when it comes to process and procedures across sales, manufacturing and installation,” Hocking said.
“The risk of poor service from inexperienced and unskilled operators is significant, which is why upskilling and getting a saturation of highly skilled/qualified people is vital to the future of the window furnishings industry.”
Frontline’s focused learning programs for key skillsets, as well as short courses include: Lean Processes, Leadership, Quality and Compliance, Problem Solving, Sales, Manufacturing, Installation, and Health and Safety.
Some of these courses can be credited towards the MSF30919 Certificate III in Blinds, Awnings, Security Screens and Grilles qualification and contribute to further learning.
