With all industries looking for ways to reduce overhead and improve profits, one obvious tactic is to streamline warehousing operations. Minimising wasted labour and reducing product damage and shrinkage certainly play roles in the process. One of the best ways employees can contribute is by improving their core skill sets, including taking courses for a TLI41810 certificate iv in warehousing. The course contents allow employees to improve their value to an organisation and accelerate their career path growth.

SEE ALSO: Keeping Things in Order with a Certificate III in Warehousing Operations TLI31610

Those attending the class are exposed to many issues currently facing the warehousing industry and are presented with a variety of options for dealing with specific problems routinely faced. The course is intended for managers, logistics specialists, warehouse workers seeking to advance their careers and others involved with the day-to-day operations of a warehouse. The course content gives attendees the tools to evaluate current practices and use the data obtained to develop improved practices. While the list of material covered is extensive, some of the areas covered in the Certificate iv in warehousing operations class include:

• The organisation and transport of goods. Both the way a warehouse is organised and how orders are filled dramatically affect the efficiency of the warehouse. Learning new ways to shelve and retrieve products for shipping is vital to improving overall operational efficiency.
• Facilitation of work teams. Working together rather than as individuals ensures more is accomplished every day.
• The Application of quality control systems. Quality control encompasses all areas of warehouse operation, with the goal being to develop and implement procedures that improve service and reduce waste.
• Assessing and confirming customer shipping needs. High levels of customer satisfaction are only achieved when clients get what they need when they need it. That means adequate inventory must be present and each order must be filled correctly. Inventory control is another important factor for delivering quality service.
• Management of workplace information. Organisations rely on collecting, analysing, and disseminating data to all staff members. It is also necessary that data users understand the information and know how to apply it to their specific areas.
• Implementation of accident and emergency procedures. While safety precautions are in place, there is always the chance of an accident or other emergency occurring. In the event there is an incident, all staff members must be aware of how to respond.

SEE ALSO: Overview of a Business Continuous Improvement Cycle

Of course, other areas are covered as well with the idea those completing the course will leave prepared to both advance their careers and significantly better their organisations. The certificate 4 in warehousing provides the tools necessary to dramatically improve workplace efficiency and customer relations.

Today’s warehousing professionals understand the need to improve and update their skills. A Certificate iv in warehousing operations is one way to move up the employment ladder and prepare for a better future. The course is one of several in a series designed to help warehouse employees at all levels increase their skills and improve their chances for career advancement. The courses offered, including this one, are available throughout the year to meet each participants’ specific needs.

Congratulations. According to the Australia 2014-2015 Salary & Employment Forecast, the outlook for those choosing careers in Logistics and Supply Chain is very good. They reported that companies are focusing recruitment efforts on those positions that are critical to the business, including Logistics, Demand and Supply Planners and 3PL Contract Managers. They need professionals who have the knowledge and skills required for the implementation and management of new business processes.

SEE ALSO: Advance From Follower to Leader With a Certificate IV in Process Manufacturing

Companies Need People Trained in Logistics

Recruiters reported that the primary focus of their efforts (55%) was searching for qualified mid-level people. Almost half (47%) of the companies felt that a skills shortage was going to cause salaries to increase,

Career Benefits of Logistics Skills

The ability to improve the performance and productivity of business processes will be of great benefit to any appropriate career path. One of the major elements that businesses of all size focus on is the identification of waste in the workplace. This program teaches participants how to identify waste and how to demonstrate practical solutions for the problem. This skill will be invaluable to any employer.

Certificate 4 in Logistics applies a strategic focus to each lesson. This advanced, higher-level skill set is valuable in a wide range of positions, from Logistics Clerk to management.

Some of the job titles that are open to those with Logistics skills include:

• Logistics Coordinator
• Logistics Supervisor
• Supply Chain Manager
• Purchasing and Supply Logistics Clerk
• Logistics Officer
• Operations Manager
• Logistics/Inventory Coordinator
• Supply Chain Coordinator/Analyst
• Production Planner/Scheduler.

Main Features of Certificate iv in logistics – TLI42010

This certification is intended for those who currently hold a position in the Logistics industry or who wish to. Successful completion of this qualification will require the student to demonstrate knowledge of numerous skills, including:

• The ability to evaluate current business practices and analyse their effectiveness
• The ability to improve current practices by developing new criteria and procedures
• The demonstration of leadership and teamwork in planning and applying logistics skills.

SEE ALSO: Organisational Success & the Continuous Improvement Process

Units of Competency

Some of the units of competency covered by this course and required by the Australian government in order to receive a Cert iv in logistics include:

• Customer Service Strategies
• Staff Recruiting, Selecting and Training
• Risk Identification and Application of Risk Management Processes
• Development and Implementation of Work Unit Plans
• Information Gathering and Analysis
• Composing Complex Documents.

The Structure of the Course

• The qualification for the Certificate iv in logistics is very hands-on. There will be no long PowerPoint presentations. Instead, facilitators will be engaging with students in a very helpful and interactive manner.
• Workshops can be held on-site or in any appropriate area of the business.
• Participants will work on projects that are relevant to the real world and the actual goals of the business.
• Participants will not be sent home with hours of homework. There is no homework, ever.

The future for people trained in logistics analysis and implementation will only get brighter. While many segments of the economy are expected to decline, logistics is essential to any business, organisation, or defence. There is no substitute for being able to provide strategic plans, identify waste, and ensure that all segments of the production and supply chains are functioning in an optimal manner. People who develop high-level skills are truly invaluable and have a great influence on the success of their enterprise.

Receiving a Certificate III in Warehousing Operations gives potential lower-level employees a wide range of job opportunities. Hiring those with this type of certification provides employers peace of mind in knowing their property and goods are in capable hands. This also increases productivity and safety for the entire facility.

Not all goods are manufactured in small, made-to-order batches and sent straight from the factory into the hands of waiting customers. In fact, most are mass produced and stored in warehouses or containment facilities until a middleman of some sort places an order. Then, the requested items and quantities are pulled from their shelves, loaded onto a truck, and sent to their semi-final destinations. It’s simple enough in theory, but quite a lot of thought, planning, and protocol goes into the storage process. Without prior training and receipt of a Certificate iii in warehousing operations, a single employee could leave a storage area in a state of mass chaos.

SEE ALSO: A Certificate IV in Warehousing (TLI41810) Builds Skill Sets

A Place for Everything

To the untrained eye, a warehouse may seem filled with boxes, buckets, and other containers tossed haphazardly on shelves wherever a spare spot may have been available. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Whether storing cookies, kitchen cleansers, or buckets of wood stain, distinct organisation efforts keep like items together, so everyone knows exactly what lies where and how much is left in stock. Obtaining a certificate in warehousing helps discern the importance of such a system as well as following a specific company’s protocol for keeping things in order.

Keeping Count

A few small organisations still rely on the old ways of simply knowing the boundaries of where certain goods are kept and remaining true to those standards. Others have moved on to more modern systems where items are scanned, locations are scanned, and this information is automatically sent to a digital database. When goods come into the warehouse, they are entered into inventory and, once they are dispatched, the system is notified more needs to be manufactured or ordered. The tli31610 certificate iii in warehousing operations ensures potential employees are able to comprehend the intricacies of these operations and follow them accordingly.

SEE ALSO: Implementing 5s Principles in Your Workplace

Attention to Detail

Some goods hold up well in any type of environment while others need special care. Having employees who realise which items can be stored in an uncontrolled climate and which need to be kept dry, cool, or frozen can mean the difference between success or having thousands of unsatisfied customers. Being equipped with a certificate 3 in warehousing ensures employees hold a certain level of understanding of these conditions.

Safety Across the Board

Volatile goods could place everyone involved in danger if not handled or stored correctly. Being overheated or jostled more than necessary could lead to destruction. Foods and beverages tend to develop bacterial growth if they’re allowed to get too warm, meaning the end customer could become sick or die after consuming these items. In the event chemicals and foods are handled at the same facility, cross-contamination could occur, also creating dangerous conditions. A warehousing certificate means employees are aware of the potential dangers as well as ways to avoid them.

For employees who have received their certificate III in the bulk production industry, the next phase of career advancement would be a Certificate IV in Process Manufacturing (MSA40311). As a continuance of the previous certification, this training expands upon such skills as problem solving, team leadership, equipment operation, and quality control. Workers may choose to participate in on-the-job learning for certification in as little as six months or classroom guidance for a period of slightly more than six months.

Purpose of this Type of Training

This is not an entry-level course; it is designed for experienced employees interested in supervision or managerial positions. Those who have already begun cross-training in various branches of plastic and rubber manufacturing, as well as chemical and mineral processing and similar fields, will learn to more effectively combine their previous training and put their skills to use. Instructors will evaluate students’ prior knowledge to gain an understanding of exactly what types of training need to take place.

Major Areas of Instruction

Quality control is a primary concern among members of the Process manufacturing industry. Following a continuous improvement model can be quite helpful at this stage. This applies to products as well as the processes used to create them. Safety is also an issue; therefore, trainees will learn ways of implementing safety protocol not only in their own practices but those of employees who will be working under their authority. Certain risks apply to any branch of the field, but those can be kept at a minimum by understanding problems beforehand and taking measures to eliminate them.

Equipment Operation

While employees undergoing certification classes already understand the equipment they will be operating, more advanced knowledge of systems is required for moving up in the workplace. Students will advance from simply following along with machinery to being able to program it for production purposes, seek out potential problems, and repair them before they become real-time issues. As routine maintenance is a key component of equipment functionality, students will be taught methods of scheduling repair work in a manner that ensures as little disruption as possible.

Adjust to New Technology and Procedures

Production facilities are continually on the lookout for improvements. Whether this applies to speed, safety, efficiency, or environmental concerns, those in charge must be able implement continuous improvement strategies and accept new practices and pass knowledge of those on to others. It is also the manager’s responsibility to make certain all employees understand exactly what their new roles will be in relation to those systems and techniques to maintain productivity and safety. Unless everyone is on board once changes take place, new risks could develop, and the person in control is in charge of preventing this from happening.

Prompt Response

Should a problem arise along the production line, quickly catching it and determining how to move forward is crucial. Students will gain an understanding of ways of doing so. As a team supervisor, remaining calm and responding appropriately in the event of an emergency is also vital. This means certain basic knowledge of first aid is also required. Employees will be trained in these aspects as well.

From being able to adapt to technological advancements and teach those skills to others to catering to injured personnel until an emergency response team arrives, those in a position of authority must be able to manage themselves as well as the circumstances around them. Training for a Certificate IV in Process Manufacturing ensures supervisors possess these qualities and are able to apply them when necessary. This enables employees to advance in their careers while increasing productivity for the mass production industry as a whole.

If this certificate sounds too advanced for your current needs, consider the Certificate III in Process Manufacturing MSA30107 to get a head start on developing your career.

Are you looking to extend your skills further than this certificate? Try the

According to the process manufacturing definition, employees in the field of mass production work with a variety of goods, including foods and beverages, pharmaceuticals and chemical-based products such as fuel, paints and cleaning agents. While any industry holds its own set of complications, producing bulk batches of items of this nature can be particularly dangerous without proper training. For personnel hoping to move up from entry level positions, receiving the Certificate III in Process Manufacturing (MSA30107) could be the key to doing so successfully.

A number of elements are involved in ensuring a workplace operates smoothly. Those working directly with certain types of machinery and being responsible for the production process itself need to have leading-edge knowledge of how to improve manufacturing process aspects while adhering to all applicable government regulations. Though a vast range of core teachings are necessary, some stand out among the rest.

SEE ALSO: Advance From Follower to Leader With a Certificate IV in Process Manufacturing

Safety

This applies to employees as well as consumers. Making certain workers are well trained in safely handling the final product as well as all its components along the production chain is vital to reducing downtime, compensation for employee injuries, and potential hefty fines from those agencies overseeing the industry in which a company is involved. These products must also consistently be safe for end customers as, otherwise, lawsuits, loss of business, and even complete shutdowns could ensue.

Quality

This component goes hand-in-hand with safety. Some of those bulk goods being produced are volatile substances whereas others are either directly or indirectly responsible for the health of consumers. Should something go wrong during the manufacturing process, lives could be in danger. What this means for employees is paying utmost attention to each step of the process to ensure final products are of the highest quality possible to meet expectations of inspectors as well as the discerning public.

Problem Solving

Certain issues can be forecast and compensated for during production as long as those in charge of the process understand the intricacies of what they are doing. Of course, unexpected developments are inevitable. Whether or not employees accountable for setting up each stage of fabrication quickly react to those unforeseen circumstances can make all the difference between a smooth handling of the situation and bringing production to a complete halt. Courses in process manufacturing certificate III (MSA30107) generate the qualifications necessary to deal with both the expected and the unexpected.

SEE ALSO: What is the 5s System?

Gaining a Certificate III in Process Manufacturing (MSA30107) provides personnel with the ability to monitor all phases of production in accordance with specific workplace procedures as well as government-imposed regulations. Across each channel, those with such qualifications can safely and effectively operate relevant equipment, work with components going into the final product, and handle goods ready to be shipped to store shelves.

No single set of courses is appropriate for all companies looking to improve their workforce, so this type of training can be customised to meet the needs of individual employees as well as the companies they facilitate. Workers gain the opportunity to increase their responsibilities and pay scales while employers reap the benefit of higher quality employees, fewer disruptions, and increased productivity. Consumers receive safe, higher-quality goods as a result of the entire scenario.

What is the 5s system? This is a question asked by many business owners who are looking to understand the benefits of the system and why they need to implement it in their workplace. With the help of 5s systems, a business improves working conditions and the working environment while simultaneously providing more value for their customers. This is done through the elimination of waste and revolves around five key principles.

THE 5S SYSTEM

The 5s system consists of five key principles. Sorting involves going through an area and removing any unnecessary items. Once this has been done, straighten this space and shine it up, so everything can be put into the proper place in the future. Next, standardise common actions, allowing everyone to perform the same actions when completing a task. Finally, the company needs to put practices in place to make certain the work area stays clean and continue to find ways to improve.

WHAT THE SYSTEM IS NOT

Many business owners equate this system with simple housekeeping. The system is actually much more than this, as it serves as a visual tool to engage employees. Everyone must participate in the system if it is to work properly, while housekeeping tasks are usually reserved for just a few individuals. The system isn’t perfect either. It must constantly be refined to meet the needs of the company and, when a problem is identified, changes need to take place to improve system’s sustainability.

MEASURING PROGRESS

Business owners find they need to offer metrics to measure progress as the company moves through the system. For example, when a company first starts using the system, removing unnecessary items from a work space may be enough to satisfy employees. Once the system has been used for a period of time, however, a higher standard is needed. Employees need to start identifying items that are no longer necessary and pinpoint problem areas to find solutions to these issues. This ensures the system is sustained over the long term, rather than needing to be completed regularly, simply because things have reverted to the way they were before the 5s principles were implemented. A 5s system checklist can be of great help in measuring progress on an ongoing basis.

IMPLEMENTING THE SYSTEM

Put a plan in place to implement the 5s system in the workplace. One plan many business owners achieve success with involves a four-step process known as Plan-Do-Check-Act. During the planning stage, a committee is formed to oversee the process and a plan put into place for implementation of each step. Next, during the do stage of the process, the committee announces the program, sets a timetable and begins training and educating the employees in how to complete the process in their work area. An evaluation of the results takes place during the check stage, and the act stage involves examining what has been done and what preventative and corrective actions need to be taken to make the program sustainable.

Use of the 5s system benefits a company in numerous ways. Customers acquire a more positive image of the company, employee morale boosts, and productivity improves, while waste within the company is minimised or eliminated completely and costs decrease. The entire culture of the business changes as a result of implementing the 5s principles, and everyone feels better about where they work. It’s a great way to improve a company in every area, and yet one doesn’t have to spend a fortune to implement the program. Business owners can start the process today without investing any money simply by removing unnecessary items. Once this has been done, the motivation to continue and succeed is present, and it shows in every employee.

While the concept of a continuous improvement plan has been around for years, it was applied to modern industry in 1950 during Dr. W. Edwards Deming’s historic work in improving Japanese production practices. However, the process has seen tweaks since that time to compensate for technological and sociological changes. The theory was also adapted to meet the needs of service industries in addition to manufacturing venues. While users often report significant improvements, others have been less successful. What causes those differences? To understand why some ventures are less successful than others, it’s important to understand where the process can go astray.

What is the Definition of Continuous Improvement?

Knowing how to answer when asked what is a continuous improvement plan is important. The Glossary of Education Reform defines continuous improvement as any process “that unfolds progressively, that does not have a fixed or predetermined end point, and that is sustained over extended periods of time.” While that definition is specific to the education process, where the process is widely used, it’s accurate for all users, in fields as diverse as manufacturing plants and healthcare providers.

How do Organisations Implement Continuous Improvement Plans?

First, for maximum results, everyone needs to be involved at some level. Without buy-in from all employees, it is very difficult to implement a Continuous Improvement Plan. The central idea is that everyone’s ideas has merit and should be considered. A continuous improvement action plan includes different ideas, but always with the belief a product or service can be delivered more efficiently. Incremental steps, rather than major innovations, are stressed as ways to enhance an existing system. Once a Continuous Improvement Plan has been determined, and the team is on board, there are specific steps to follow to achieve success.

What are the Steps for Continuous Improvement Plans?

Basic continuous improvement plans include four steps. They are:

• Here, the idea is to determine where improvements can be made and what changes will provide those improvements.
• In this phase, the small scale changes that can lead to improvements are carried out.
• Once the changes are implemented, data is collected to evaluate the results and determine if the change was, indeed, beneficial.
• Assuming the changes resulted in improved results, those changes can now be implemented on a wider scale. On the other hand, if the results did not show an improvement, begin the cycle again using a different strategy.

What Problems Do Organisations Face When Implementing Continuous Improvement Plans?

There is no simple answer to that question, as every organisation has unique needs. However, there are a couple of issues that crop up consistently when any changes are implemented. First, the goals set are overly optimistic. Organisations attempt to overcome major issues rather than correct specific problems. Next, leaders who don’t see immediate results tend to lose interest, branding the effort a failure before it has an opportunity to succeed. Another issue that routinely arises is a failure to include everyone involved in the process. If only management is involved, the effort is most likely doomed from the start. Those actually doing the job being targeted for improvement have a keener insight into what it will take to actually realise process improvements.

The net result is that continuous improvement planning can be productive and result in long-term benefits if everyone is involved and the team is committed to sticking with the plan. The initial planning sets the stage for success or failure, so paying special attention at that point in the process is critical. For help in planning, contact us today. The sooner a plan is in place, the sooner an organisation can expect to see improvements.

Companies often struggle to improve efficiencies and wonder how best to go about maximising value while reducing waste. With the help of the 5s principles, a business can accomplish these goals without spending a lot of money to do so. The 5s principles are part of the lean manufacturing system developed by Toyota, yet any company can implement them with ease and see great results upon doing so. What is 5s and how does it work?

WHAT DOES 5S STAND FOR?

What does 5s stand for? This is often the first question of business owners looking into the system. The 5s principles are sort, set in order, shine, standardise, and sustain. Each step builds on the previous one, with the goal being to increase productivity while eliminating waste. First, users sort the work area and then designate a spot for each item that remains. Once this has been done, the workplace is cleaned, the system is standardised so everyone completes tasks the same way, and then a routine is established to ensure the system is maintained at all times.

IMPLEMENTING THE 5S METHODOLOGY

Business owners frequently wonder how to implement the 5s methodology, and those struggling to do so may wish to take advantage of 5s professional development for their workplace. As the company waits for the course to begin, certain steps can be taken to make the process easier. A team should be established and include members from any department that will be taking part in the program. The facility should be toured to see where changes may be needed. The course will explain how to make the necessary changes, yet the team can brainstorm and try to come up with ideas that may be of benefit during the process also.

WASTE THAT MAY BE ELIMINATED USING THE 5S PRINCIPLES

Companies often wonder what types of wastes may be eliminated by making use of these principles. Do employees ever spend time searching for a part that they can’t find and end up asking another employee to assist them in locating the needed item? The system minimises or eliminates both waste of motion and searching waste, along with waste created by unsafe conditions. This type of waste comes about when items are left out in the open and someone is injured as a result of the items being put in the wrong place. These are only a few of the many examples of waste which can be reduced by making use of the 5s principles of lean manufacturing.

THE BENEFITS OF USING THE 5S PRINCIPLES

Businesses find there are numerous benefits to making use of the 5s principles in the workplace. First and foremost, use of these principles establishes a foundation for continuous improvement that may be built on. Employees become more involved in the company as they gain more responsibility and they tend to acquire a sense of ownership in their work and the business. The improvements in morale, quality, and productivity lead to increased profitability for the company and safety, likewise, improves. Every aspect of the business benefits as a result of the implementation of the principles.

Again, what is 5s? Once companies understand the principles and the purpose of implementing these principles, the next step is to actually begin the process. Business owners need to determine which they are most comfortable with and take advantage of professional development in this area. Doing so offers an excellent return on the company’s investment, as waste is minimised, value is created, and productivity improves. As a result, every area of the business benefits.

 

Companies often turn to the lean manufacturing system when they wish to eliminate waste. The goal is to maximise customer value while maintaining a minimal inventory. Many companies find the easiest way to achieve this goal it to make use of the 5s lean principles or checklist, which work to reduce inefficiencies in a business that are the result of poor organisation and housekeeping. If you’re new to 5s you might want to discover what 5s is and why companies need it.

When the principles are put into place, companies find their facility is customer-ready at all times. Before this system can be put into place, however, business owners need to understand these principles, what benefits they will obtain when they put this system into place, what types of businesses benefit from use of the principles, and how the 5s Principles and lean methodology fit into the lean manufacturing system.

THE 5S PRINCIPLES

Lean principles 5s aren’t difficult to grasp once a person knows what they are.

• The first step is to sort the work area and eliminate any items that are not needed, as this allows employees to see where changes need to be made. In addition, productivity increases and quality improves when unnecessary items are eliminated.
• Next, straighten the area, organising everything that remains, and then shine the area.
• To ensure the area stays this way, the employee needs to simplify and standardise the area, setting a schedule for regular maintenance and cleaning.
• Finally, it is time to sustain and make the five principles a regular part of life through the use of a regular maintenance system.

BENEFITS OF USING THESE PRINCIPLES

Businesses wishing to learn more about 5s principles and implementation find there are numerous benefits to making use of the system. Safety improves along with employee morale and defect rates drop. Costs decrease when the principles are implemented, assets are better utilised, and equipment becomes available more frequently. Production flexibility and agility increase, and the company’s image improves in the eyes of management, employees, customers, and suppliers. The entire atmosphere within the workplace changes when the principles are consistently adhered to.

TYPES OF BUSINESSES THAT WILL BENEFIT FROM USE OF THE 5S PRINCIPLES

Lean manufacturing principles (including 5s) benefit every type of business, although quite a few business owners continue to believe they are only for manufacturing companies. Retail store owners and power plants, television stations and hospitals find using the principles benefits them also, and the same is true of numerous other companies. In addition, every area of a business benefits from using the principles, so one can improve efficiencies across the board. As the cost of implementing the principles can be quite small, any business can try the system to see how it works for them, spending as much or as little as they feel comfortable with until they see how the system works and what benefits they obtain.

USING THE 5S PRINCIPLES IN THE LEAN MANUFACTURING SYSTEM

The lean manufacturing system functions to eliminate waste while increasing value. The 5s Principles are a tool of this system, and this tool is used in conjunction with Kaizen, TPM, Kanban and other lean manufacturing techniques to maximise the efficiency of the workplace. Many opt to start with the 5s principles when implementing a program, as they are easy to use and create an organised space employees can build on as other portions of the system are implemented.

Every company can begin implementing these principles today, as businesses do not need to spend any money to remove items that are no longer needed. Once these items are gone, it becomes easier to see how productivity increases and the system provides the motivation companies need to move forward with the rest of the program.