What makes SSI different from other business solution providers?
-----The majority of Lean and continuous improvement initiatives have either no or negative long term impact on the business results. Unlike most providers, SSI believes long term sustainable solutions do not come from an amalgamation of "point" initiatives. Nor do we believe in "endless" consulting engagements. Rather, we focus on a holistic approach that aligns and synchronizes a company's key processes, and thoroughly engages the entire workforce, from top management to shop floor personnel, in the implementation of a custom solution, one which provides lasting results.

Isn't a holistic approach a large undertaking?
----- SSI employs a very focused and structured project timeline to facilitate the implementation of SPM. Implementation time will vary based on the size and complexity of the organization, but a typical timeframe for an average sized company is twenty-six weeks. Smaller implementations can be accomplished in as little as sixteen weeks.

Why is holistic important? Why can't I just focus on my shop floor?
----- Studies show that "point" implementations generally do not produce sustainable results, and in many cases produce negative consequences. SPM insures that all of a company's processes are aligned to support operational objectives, which provides a platform for long term sustainability.

Why do I need a process manual? I have supervisors to direct my workers.
----- A process manual or "Answer Book" is a means of documenting a company's processes so that the workforce has a consistent guide. Having formal processes insures repeatability and consistency in how a company operates.

What is a visual workplace?
----- The term "visual workplace" means that a company is organized in a way that allows easy assessment of how work is flowing and immediate warning of impending bottlenecks in the flow of work. This makes work processes more reliable.

My customer requires me to become ISO certified. Why shouldn't I just do that?
----- SSI strongly supports ISO 9000/2002 and ISO-TS 16949. ISO is a quality management system and provides better and more sustainable results when implemented in an environment already well defined by SPM.

Isn't SPM the same as Lean?
----- While it incorporates many of the same concepts, SPM is much more than Lean. SPM also focuses on appropriate organizational design to support synchronous flow companies as well as leadership and sustainability tools.

What does Synchronous Flow mean?
----- Synchronous flow means that work is pulled through a company's processes as a direct result of demand for product. This structure insures that resources are not wasted on production of goods that are not needed. It also creates a very clear focus on what needs to be done and in what sequence to work. See the Synchronous Flow Assessment.

Why can't I just use my financial results as metrics?
----- Financial results are lagging measures, sometimes telling you how you did weeks or months ago. In order to know how you are doing now, more immediate operationally oriented measures are needed.

What's so important about a global supply chain?
----- Whether you serve only a local market, or are a multinational corporation, synchronizing with your suppliers and customers allows you to be more competitive. More and more, your competition is coming from everywhere. You can be sure that at least some of them are synchronizing their supply chain, allowing them to reduce costs, increase speed-to-market, and lower prices.

Have a question? Click here.