How can you align your manufacturing operations with the voice of the customer?

1 Define your value proposition

The first step is to define your value proposition, which is the unique benefit that your product offers to your customers. This should be based on a thorough understanding of your customer segments, their needs, preferences, and pain points. You can use tools such as customer surveys, interviews, personas, and value proposition canvas to collect and analyze customer feedback and insights. Your value proposition should be clear, concise, and compelling, and it should guide your product development and marketing strategies.

2 Map your value stream

The next step is to map your value stream, which is the sequence of activities and processes that create and deliver your product to your customers. A value stream map (VSM) is a visual tool that helps you identify the value-added and non-value-added steps in your production flow, as well as the sources of waste, inefficiencies, and delays. You can use a VSM to evaluate your current state, design your future state, and plan your improvement actions. A VSM can also help you align your manufacturing operations with customer demand and reduce lead time and inventory.

3 Implement pull systems

A pull system is a method of production control that relies on customer demand to trigger the flow of materials and information in your value stream. It is opposed to a push system, which is based on forecasts and schedules that often result in overproduction and excess inventory. A pull system can help you align your manufacturing operations with the voice of the customer by ensuring that you produce only what is needed, when it is needed, and in the right quantity and quality. You can implement pull systems by using tools such as kanban cards, supermarket buffers, and FIFO lanes.

4 Adopt continuous improvement

The final step is to adopt continuous improvement, which is the ongoing practice of finding and eliminating waste and increasing value in your value stream. Continuous improvement is based on the principle of PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act), which is a cycle of problem-solving and learning. You can adopt continuous improvement by using tools such as kaizen events, gemba walks, and root cause analysis. Continuous improvement can help you align your manufacturing operations with the voice of the customer by enabling you to respond to changing needs, expectations, and feedback, and by fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?