Having systems in place which ensure the ongoing efficient and smooth running of the overall operation is great , but Agile is much more than that . Agile is the overarching mindset which can become the backbone of the entire organization . It builds a culture where your teams can find it easier to pivot and try different approaches when it ’ s needed . It ’ s about getting rid of the ‘ this is how we ’ ve always done it ’ mentality and empowering employees to become true system thinkers who can visualize both the individual areas of the operation and the bigger picture . Knowing that it ’ s OK to shift towards a new way of doing things when they don ’ t get the key results and quality they want , is what can help your teams to create fluid work systems to get the maximum value out of the minimum steps possible .
Top-down and bottom-up innovation for success
Innovation has always played a vital role in manufacturing but for it to be truly transformative it requires the right organizational environment and culture . That ’ s where Agile comes in , as its values support having a welldefined innovation process .
Adopting Agile is about being innovative right across the organization , not only in the areas traditionally associated with new ideas . This means that your innovation department isn ’ t siloed and that adopting new ways of thinking and experimenting becomes the new norm across the organization . The Agile systems ensure that everything is within one stream , so the strategic objectives and vision is set at the top and any ideas and opportunities that originate from teams across the organization feed into those . Freeing up innovation and letting it flow increases the likelihood of new ideas being implemented and increases the chances of them adding value to the business .
An opportunity for leadership
For Agile to deliver results , senior leadership cannot simply set the vision then walk away from it . There needs to be continuous dialogue between people on the ground and middle management and making sure that there is that alignment at the top . A common blocker for developing a truly Agile culture is the fear which comes from change . Employees with a deep knowledge of their department may feel threatened because of Agile ’ s philosophy to assess everything on an ongoing basis . An Agile culture is laid upon transparency and flexibility and it ’ s up to the leadership to help teams feel at ease with this new way of working by building trust , developing clear boundaries , and encouraging teams to work together to deliver the best possible value . By doing this you can help your people to work collaboratively without letting fear get in their way .
As in every sector , the manufacturing industry is faced with increasing pressure to accommodate changes in customer behavior and embrace new technologies and ways of doing things while operating under turbulent global economics . It ’ s up to leaders to look at Agile either as a challenge or as an opportunity that can be seized to shape the future of the manufacturing industry . ■
Steve Martin www . agilistic . co . uk / what-we-do /
Steve Martin is the CEO of Agilistic , which simplifies transformation for businesses . He has worked with organizations including BT , Vodafone , HM Revenue & Customs , William Hill and The Department for Environment , Food and Rural Affairs .
manufacturing-today . com 21