Figen Aksu
Özerşah Group, Production and Quality Manager
Nowadays, with the possibilities offered by high technology, we started to discuss Industry 5.0. In the 21st century world where technological equipment replaces human labor, the lubricant industry, like all sectors, is expecting significant changes.
Approaching the production process with the PDCA cycle based on the Kaizen philosophy will assist industrial managers and professionals in understanding and managing this change better. Kaizen, meaning “continuous improvement”, is a management model and philosophy that prioritizes the process. Western approaches, on the other hand, are result oriented (Ağın, 2020). The differences at this point are that Kaizen is sustainable, progresses step by step, and brings success with its control mechanisms.
In the Kaizen model, the “solution selling” approach should be considered instead of the “traditional selling”. Of course, this is where we, as professionals, step in. It is important to examine the production process through field visits carried out by technical and acknowledged experts and to choose the product in accordance with the product and equipment requirements. In cases where products are not compatible, R&D experts should conduct innovative studies for product solutions and efficiency.
Applying the PDCA cycle in the Kaizen model is the most crucial step in solution selling. The PDCA cycle is a management method that enables continuous improvement in product quality process.
Although the PCDA cycle initially emerged in the industrial sector, it has been adopted in subsequent years for managing processes in other sectors and even for individual development purposes. (Maruta, 2012; Sangpikul, 2017).
Working with a key-lock model in product selection is an important parameter that provides resource and time savings for manufacturers, suppliers and end-users. Choosing the right product and the right equipment means the efficient operation, high performance, and lower maintenance and repair costs. Enhance the process with solution selling and innovation to save time and resources.
