In 2015, Premier Fixtures embarked on a concerted effort to simplify, structure and standardize employee workflow processes throughout the Company’s production and warehouse operations. The newly implemented efficiency initiatives are still in the early stages, but production and quality control indicators suggest dramatic improvements in terms of enhancing speed, eliminating waste, improving QC, and bolstering employee morale. Initially, the program has clearly demonstrated that a highly efficient workplace is a better workplace— for our employees, our customers, and, particularly… our bottom line. We call the initiative “The 5s Program”. And, while the major tenets of the mission were adapted from a philosophy originated throughout Japan’s business culture, Premier has adopted “5s” as our own.
We’re creating the ultimate workplace environment.
The basic premise of “The 5s Program” is to provide guidelines, goals, and disciplines for every member of the Premier workforce— from new-hires to senior management. The title is derived from the 5 directives that serve as workplace incentives— each directive beginning with the letter “s”. Workplace assignments include SORT, SET IN ORDER, SHINE, STANDARDIZE, and SUSTAIN. Each mandate, when judiciously applied throughout the workforce, is designed to help every employee save time, eliminate wasted energy, enhance product quality, and take satisfaction in a job well done. The result minimizes waste and maximizes productivity. This is the principle of “lean manufacturing”— and Premier is all in.
Greater efficiency is quickly paying huge dividends.
Now that “5s” is firmly on-board, Premier can now be aptly described by another word beginning with the letter “s”—“streamlined”. In the short time that “The 5s Program” has been implemented, it has elevated our already impressive production facility to a remarkably lean, efficient, and world-class operation. The procedural changes have impressed management, motivated the workforce, and become a model for cleanliness and efficiency in the eyes of our customers. Just as important, it has enhanced our clienteles’ ROI, and their faith in our company’s commitment to building superior products and forging trusted relationships. And… this is only the beginning.
We’ve got big plans to expand the program.
In the coming months, the same guidelines that have streamlined Premier’s production and warehousing operations will be instituted and fine-tuned throughout our inventory and logistics service streams. Our distribution channels will be enhanced and accelerated, and our complex inventory management system will undergo a top-to-bottom makeover pinpointing improved accuracy and zero-tolerance waste control. Nellie Quintana, Supply Chain VP at Premier, and a driving force in spearheading this effort, summed up the company’s primary motivation. “This initiative is dramatically changing the way we do business. Our goal is perfection. Our promise is unsurpassed quality assurance.” That’s how Premier Fixtures is making a difference.
