Measure, Measure, and Measure Again

We have a plant manager who likes to say, “If you can’t measure it, you can’t make it better.” Truer words have never been spoken. Without concrete guidelines for measuring success, how do you know you are successful? 

The decision making process is drastically improved when you know the result of previous decisions. Going in blind increases the chance of making the wrong choice. In depth data will not only improve decision making, it also speeds up the process. The key to being a leader in your industry is being the first to make a decision and move your team forward.

Team members crave feedback. Measurable goals keep your workforce motivated to improve. Without a light at the end of the tunnel, your team can become stagnant. A stagnant team will overlook tiny details and quality of products declines.

If you aren’t measuring your processes, start on a small scale. Large scale changes can lead to more problems, and the data can be overwhelming. Define what’s important and don’t waste time on casual measurements. Start by monitoring your output and move down the line once that process is improved.

In today’s business environment, treading water is drowning. At Max Coating, we strive to improve and get better every day. Measurement makes improvement possible. Like our plant manager says, “If you can’t measure it, you can’t make it better.”

Max Coating is a leader in the metal finishing industry, headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, with an additional location in Atlanta, Georgia. Max Coating provides electrocoating and powder coating services for automotive, industrial and agricultural manufacturers. Learn more at www.maxcoating.com.