Operations management is controlling the systems and processes used to manufacture products or, in the case of a maintenance and repair facility, provide services.
Dr. Ray R. Venkataraman, a professor of project and supply chain management at Penn State Behrend, provides insights on how improving operations management can aid in running a more efficient shop.
“The techniques of operations management and “lean” can be applied to design efficient layouts and efficient scheduling to optimize a fleet maintenance repair facility,” Venkataraman says.
Shops can review a number of any, and all areas, of their operation in order to become more efficient. Some examples include:
- Establish/create vehicle maintenance and repair standards
- Hire properly certified technicians and provide ongoing training
- Redesign shop layout for improving efficiency (use lean principles eliminate waste)
- Automate the process where possible and leverage data
- Buy necessary equipment such as vehicle lifts, etc.
Venkataraman notes it’s important to address common pitfalls when adopting new processes. To do this, shops must address and eliminate any concerns about the change, utilize data and technology available to evaluate and implement more effective processes, and be sure to acquire the needed resources to implement change successfully.
