Appliance Maker Uses JI to Smooth New Model Transition

A manufacturer of consumer appliances used JI training to help train its people on updated procedures in one of their value streams.  The result was a model update on the line without any productivity loss.  Normally, when the production procedures and instructions are updated, productivity is negatively impacted as people learn and become practiced in the new ways of doing the work.  This loss during train-up was avoided by their use of JI and off-line training.  Prior to the changeover, the organization called The Bilas Group in to conduct a JI training workshop.  After receiving the initial training, they designated primary trainers for Continue reading

Implementing TWI – Part 3 – Who should I train first?

Implementing TWI – Part 3 – Who should be in the TWI training?

Now that you’ve picked a TWI component or components to initially implement and a target area (or in reverse order) it’s time to select people for the training.  We normally require between 6-10 participants – participants perform a demonstration during the five 2-hour sessions, and allow up to an additional 10 “observers” – people who can watch the training, but who don’t participate in the discussions or perform a demonstration.  Having more than 10 participants requires more than the time allotted in the five sessions.  Having less than 6 people reduces the interaction, and doesn’t afford enough repetition of the demonstrations for effective skill development.  An “observer” will see all the training and demonstrations just like a participant, but will not have the opportunity to perform a demonstration Continue reading

Implementing TWI – Part 2 – Where Should I start?

In Part 1 of our series on implementing TWI, we recommended focusing your efforts on implementing JI or on JI and JR, concurrently.  In part 2, we’ll answer the question: where should I start?  Our recommendation is to select a pilot area that’s small enough to prevent diluting your training efforts and somewhat contained to be able to see the impact of your efforts.  It must also be large enough, however, Continue reading

Roger Bilas to Present TWI Overview At Lakeland Community College on March 22, 2011

Roger Bilas will be presenting an overview of the TWI program and providing hands-on demonstrations of the J-components at a free seminar March 22, 2011 at Lakeland Community College. Sponsored by the Continuing Education Department at Lakeland CC, Roger will discuss the benefits of TWI as an integrated program and specifically address how the J-components can address many of the issues that a recovering economy may create. Hands-on demonstrations of Job Instruction will show how it can not be used for training of new or transferred team members, but also stabilize and improve the organization’s process.  Go to Lakeland Community College for more information or to register.