Voice of Process (VoP) in Manufacturing Industry
Voice of Process (VoP) is a term used in the manufacturing industry, particularly in discrete manufacturing, in which VoP is the process of listening to the voices of people involved in a manufacturing process and resolving issues or concerns.
Understanding the basic principles of voice of process in the manufacturing industry and how to design, develop, and implement it are some of the most important tasks for any manufacturer. In this article, we’ll discuss the main elements of voice of process that comprise it, give an overview of the role voice plays in manufacturing, and cover each element with examples.
The voice of process is a unique feature that distinguishes a good manufacturing process from a bad one. By using the voice of process, it is possible to identify and correct any inconsistencies in production or quality control.
Process matters because it is the human voice of an organization. Processes are the rules and norms that govern what an organization does, and how it does it. The voice of process is one of the most important part of any manufacturing process, especially when it relates to production and quality control. The voice of process is a unique feature that distinguishes a good manufacturing process from a bad one. By using the voice of process, it is possible to identify and correct any inconsistencies in production or quality control. Voice of Process is an accurate and inexpensive method for identifying and evaluating the conditions under which certain defects occur in manufacturing processes.
VoP is a structured system for identifying and tracking issues that occur during the manufacturing process. It typically involves analysis and correlation of data from multiple sources, including error codes, checks, and balances.
Voice of Process (VoP) is a term used in the manufacturing industry, particularly in discrete manufacturing, in which VoP is the process of listening to the voices of people involved in a manufacturing process and resolving issues or concerns. VoP is a structured system for identifying and tracking issues that occur during the manufacturing process. It typically involves analysis and correlation of data from multiple sources, including error codes, checks, and balances.
Voice of Process is a methodology that focuses on the automation of manual, data-entry intensive tasks. Originating in the automotive industry, Voice of Process has found its way into manufacturing and is becoming a key factor in the success of businesses. The VOP methodology helps to eliminate bottlenecks and increase productivity in the workplace, allowing companies to improve on their bottom line.
The Art & Concept of Voice of Process in Manufacturing Industry
VoP is a concept that has been developed and has gained popular acceptance in the manufacturing industry since years. The VoP concept is based on five key aspects, which are as follows:
- Intensity: Intensity is the degree of listening to the people and making the people understand the issue that they are facing or has been faced.
- Reciprocity: Reciprocity is the need of hearing the issues that the people concerned, and addressing the issues.
- Effectiveness: Effectiveness is the time taken to resolve issues.
- Functionality: Functionality is the end result, which includes the use of technology.
- Modeling: Modeling data to identify patterns, that may signal shift from an established limit, tolerance or a standard.
The Voice of Process is part of the voice of people in the business. In practice, it or a similar term is used as a method for taking time to listen to the people for which you run your business and this can be done as part of an audit or during meetings or when working with vendors or suppliers. For example: You may plan to attend every new introduction meeting and, in your role as project manager, understand processes thoroughly. You may take some time and have separate conversations with workers on their understanding (or lack thereof) about the process.
What Is Voice of Process and Why It Matters To You
While many processes can be automated and standardized, processes that involve people are often harder to standardize. During this process, you will encounter problems such as communication breakdowns, conflicts between or amongst workers, and bottlenecks in the entire process. The barriers to switching to a VoP process are the same as those to switch to any new process. They involve overcoming concerns and constraints of users. And yet, the transformation is as beneficial for the individual as it is for the organization. The good news is that the process to create a VoP process for a manufacturing organization is very straightforward. With a little training, you can be ready to start your work and reap the benefits of VoP.
Why more and more companies are applying the VOP to save costs and improve efficiency
More than a third of successful companies now actively measure VoP within their businesses. Actually, a significant number of these companies have also developed specific KPIs to track VoP performance. Within a manufacturing process, a number of factors can impact the effectiveness and efficiency of that process. A number of these factors include: the sources of inputs, dependencies among processes, influence of the support processes, the customer’s reaction to the input, sales and marketing of the input, R&D and piloting phases, and availability of resources. All of these factors are incorporated wisely to run an effective process to generate products and or provide services that are best suited to customer requirements.
About VOP and its advantages
Voice of Process is the process of resolving issues of various types (sometimes referred to as incidents) in a manufacturing business. The term ‘VoP’ or Voice of Process is quite an uncommon term; it is used mainly in the field of manufacturing industry. There are many different variants of VoP to be found throughout the manufacturing industry. In fact, VoP is used in some form in almost any manufacturing industry. VoP in a manufacturing industry means different things to different people and organizations. Decision making to effectively run the core and associated processes within a manufacturing organization is always challenging. The VoP is described as the processes through which the voice of people are heard and resolved in a manufacturing process. Thus we make a good decision. Companies who understand the value of VoP are sure winners and reap benefits.
The importance of VOP during the Lean Phase
The primary objective of VoP in the Lean Phase is to develop the connections that will lead to the resolution of process problems. In order to solve process problems, a connected team needs to be formed in the collaborative atmosphere provided by the Lean Management System. Therefore, the voice of process is the foundation for the relationship building and communication in a lean environment. In other words, VOP ensures that the human element of the manufacturing environment is acknowledged and acknowledged (strongly) by the people involved. Therefore, it is essential that the manufacturing teams throughout the manufacturing process provide clear and fair communication to all involved, in order to solve their problems or problems in general to control waste.
How to use VOP to promote business growth
The main objective of VOP is to be a ‘talking shop’ for employees of an organization, on the floor (with really involved) people. In VOP, a team of professionals would gather to discuss customer issues and talk about business issues. One of the most important features of this approach is that it helps to gain knowledge, establish relationships, and improve the quality of an organisation. In addition, it helps employees be involved in decision making at work. With diverse opinion from real on-the-floor people, it also helps break groupthinking. Consequently, effective use of VOP facilitates efficiency in decisions and process in the organisation. One of the most important issues for a company’s success is to be capable of solving problems in the organisation. By using VOP, employees will be motivated and their needs and capabilities would be determined.
Bonus Topic – Daily Stand-up Meetings and their role in Voice of Process*
Daily standup meetings are one of the most powerful techniques in Lean manufacturing and are often used by many companies that are implementing Lean principles. They are also one of the most controversial topics within the Lean community, because people have very different views on whether they are effective or not. Daily conversations with workers on their understanding (or lack thereof) about the process and listening to issues and opportunities are very helpful. Issues are identified early in the process and management can react instantly to both Voice of Process and Voice of People.
*Bonus topics are selected based on our readers’ interest. You can read more in the future.
VoP is an extremely important concept and powerful to identify issues in manufacturing industry early in the process.
*The article was updated on May 30, 2021
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