More and more companies today are recognizing the need to reduce their lead time in order to remain competitive, but these companies are also realizing that it is not a simple task.  Although most organizations know the importance of lead time and its impact on their business, the reality is that they do not truly know what their real lead time is!  NDI has been the leader in actual lead time reduction for many years.  We have the benefit of an intimate knowledge of quick response manufacturing (QRM) and our own proprietary MPX  rapid modeling technology- all of which is lead time focused.

Lead time reduction is our specialty!

NDI has developed a 3-phased approach to implement Lead Time Reduction using quick response manufacturing principles and our own MPX rapid modeling technology.

•  Phase I: ORGANIZATION
• Focuses on ensuring a cellular atmosphere that will facilitate lead time reduction efforts.  These cells are QRM cells and differ from the traditional manufacturing cell in that they are self-contained, product oriented cells.  The importance of proper cell alignment in achieving significant lead time reduction cannot be underestimated.
•  Phase II: CAPACITY PLANNING
• Using NDI’s MPX rapid modeling technology, we develop a comprehensive action plan to achieve drastic lead time reduction in the manufacturing cell.  We use MPX to find cost-effective ways to reduce lead time through a better understanding of capacity planning.  Low cost solutions include revising lot sizing strategies and improving utilization policies.
•  Phase III: MATERIAL MANAGEMENT
• Achieving lead time reduction is one thing, but sustaining it in an ever changing environment is quite another.  NDI has developed a strategy to integrate MPX and existing material planning tools, such as MRP, to continuously monitor lead times and aid in decision making to achieve your production needs.

 NDI offers several methods for facilitating a lead time reduction program at your facility including:

• On-site consultation services for plan development through implementation
• Training seminars specific to each project phase:
• Organizational Principles: QRM Cells
• System Dynamic Principles: Capacity Planning
• Combined Application of QRM Principles: Material Management
• MPX model building

 

 “(NDI) consultants…

Emphasized focus, innovation, intensity & accountability to ensure our success

Encouraged empowerment of our employees to solve problems & make decisions

Developed the structure & objectives needed for an effective implementation

Provided motivation, excitement & creditability to retain our employees' interest”

  Sue Carter
  Continuous Improvement Supervisor, MRC Bearings
  QRM 2002 Conference Proceedings

"NDI has helped us make our organization think differently and open our eyes to new manufacturing philosophies."

   Tim Sauter
   Plant Manger, Dekko Engineering

" The solutions NDI proposed were innovative, yet practical for our facility.  NDI was able to produce results, on an aggressive timeline."

   Corey Suthers
   Sales Manager, Norlen Incorporated