Reducing the setup time of a pressing machine helps save a few hours here and there. More importantly, it makes it easier to make smaller batches.
image: https://www.mtg-transform.com/hubfs/shutterstock_1924195431.jpg --- [ ](https://www.mtg-transform.com/) [](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2185827/baf2fb96-e5b5-470c-81c7-362c037c86e4) # Justifying Continuous Improvement Projects - [**](https://www.mtg-transform.com/) - [Why Companies should not leave China](https://www.mtg-transform.com/blog) - Justifying Continuous Improvement Projects April 22, 2013 by [Renaud Anjoran](https://www.mtg-transform.com/blog/author/renaud-anjoran)  ***Jeffrey Liker and Gary L. Convis, a former executive V.P. of Toyota, mention two great analogies in their recent [book](http://www.amazon.com/The-Toyota-Way-Lean-Leadership/dp/0071780785/ref=tmm_hrd_title_0):*** ### **Continuous Improvement is Like a Diet** ***Implication*** If you relax after 6 months, most of the benefits will disappear. ***Cause*** Some of the steps we push factories to take are counter-intuitive. If a new general manager arrives after one of our missions, he can get back to a typical ***"batch-and-queue"*** organization in just a few weeks. ***Example*** Reducing the batch size and avoiding over-production are among the best ways to reduce total production costs per unit. But it is human nature to assume that larger batches are always more efficient. ### **A Continuous Improvement Program is Like an Investment in Education** ***Implication*** Some of the changes we implement in a factory can't be tied to a specific ROI. ***Cause *** We try to avoid ***"point improvements"*** here and there (except if that's what the client specifically asks for). Rather, we need to have a coherent plan that impacts the whole production cycle, rather than a specific process. That's how large benefits are ensured. However, this coherent plan is made up of many elements whose ROI can't be calculated individually. Similarly, if a students calculates the ROI of a certain course, he cannot see a direct cause-and-effect relationship with the benefits he will get out of it in the long term. ***Example*** Reducing the setup time of a pressing machine helps save a few hours here and there. But, more importantly, it makes it easier to make smaller batches, and it pulls operators away from the mass production mentality. --- [](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2185827/2f22e808-6a1a-4406-bf38-2953cec051bc) Topics: [Manufacturing Consulting](https://www.mtg-transform.com/blog/topic/manufacturing-consulting)  ### [Renaud Anjoran](https://www.mtg-transform.com/blog/author/renaud-anjoran) 15+ years experience in China manufacturing. Founding Partner & Thought Leader, Manufacturing Transformation Group (MTG). Worked with hundreds of factories across China, Vietnam, and Southeast Asia. Certifications: ASQ CQE & CRE; ISO 9001 & 14001 lead auditor. Author of Quality Inspection Tips blog and host of China Manufacturing Decoded podcast. [**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/renaudanjoran/) ### Subscribe to receive MTG tips & resources ### Related articlesReducing the setup time of a pressing machine helps save a few hours here and there. More importantly, it makes it easier to make smaller batches.
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