We have already mentioned the beginning of our Lean transformation and the work on global diagnostics and systematic improvement of key processes at NIBULON, including the developed plan to improve the operations at our elevators. Last week, the elevator department managers underwent a two-day training in Lean methodology as part of this project. Its goal was to provide practical knowledge that would help develop innovative solutions, ultimately enhancing the efficiency and productivity of each branch.
The training was devoted to the topic of solving problems in the A3/PDCA format. PDCA stands for plan-do-check-act. Its goal is gradual improvement within the organization. The participants were introduced to the advantages of this approach, its main stages, effective problem-solving methods, and the common mistakes that may occur at each of the stages, as well as ways to avoid them. Importantly, each theoretical part was supported by specific examples from the daily operations of the elevators.
Valerii Reutsoi, Director for Elevators Operations, commented:
“Despite the challenging working conditions and high competition on the market, NIBULON’s elevators continue to ensure the continuity of grain storage and exports. However, to remain competitive, and to increase the efficiency and productivity of work, we must accept modern challenges, quickly adapt to changes, and be ready to find non-standard solutions.
The transformation of our division’s operations has already begun. We will continue to analyze the work of each branch in detail, identify weak points, and work to improve the productivity of each terminal, taking into account its peculiarities, while offering our agricultural producers the most favorable terms of cooperation. In particular, our main priority now is to reduce the cost of services. I believe these issues should be the focus of attention for the managers of our elevators.”
Vladyslav Malovanyi, Lean technology implementation manager and trainer, said:
“This course is one of the first in a series of training events for the managers of the elevator division. Mastering the PDCA model is a huge step in the development of Lean thinking. For me as a trainer, it is important that the topic and subject of the discussion resonated with the participants, prompted them to think and discuss, and gave them ideas for further improvements in their workplace. After the training, we do not stop: each branch manager and director will have time to develop their own project using the A3 methodology. The main indicator of successful training will be the results achieved through the projects. We will definitely share the achievements and successes in the continuous improvement of each branch.”
Mykola Alekseienko, the Novoodeska branch manager, stated:
“It was an interesting and intense training. In two days, we received a lot of useful information and knowledge, which we will now apply in practice. Our current important task is to reduce the cost of services without compromising their quality. The method we have learned and will use to accomplish this task is indeed useful and effective. I am sure that with its help, we will be able to improve more than one production process in the future. In general, I find the Lean methodology very interesting. Its main advantage is that it can be applied in any field. The main thing is to start. Perhaps things won’t work perfectly the first time, but it is through trial and error that results are achieved.”
We would like to remind you that recently we also updated laboratory equipment in the elevator network and will improve the quality of laboratory tests through an independent equipment audit.
