Last updated on Aug 1, 2024

You're faced with a client pushing for speed over safety. How do you navigate this delicate balance?

In manufacturing operations, the push for rapid production can often conflict with safety protocols. When a client prioritizes speed over safety, you're thrust into a challenging position where you must uphold industry standards while striving to meet client expectations. The key is to navigate this delicate balance without compromising the well-being of your workforce or the integrity of your operations. By understanding the implications and having clear strategies in place, you can address client demands effectively while maintaining a safe working environment.

1 Assess Risks

When faced with demands for faster production, your first step is to conduct a thorough risk assessment. By identifying potential hazards that accelerated timelines might introduce, you can quantify the risks and communicate them to your client. Explain how safety measures are integral to quality and reliability, which in turn, affects the overall success of the product. This not only demonstrates your commitment to safety but also shows that you have the client's long-term interests in mind.

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Tushar Chaudhari

Digital Transformation | IIM Mumbai | MNNIT Allahabad | PGP - AIML | CPIM - APICS | SCM | Operations | Process Excellence | Technology Enablement | Projects Management | Analytics | Tableau | Python
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No client will specifically ask to override safety to complete his demands targets. Only thing is he is asking to complete his orders earlier. It is our interpretation that he is asking to override safety. The most important thing is to know critical-to-quality (CTQs) which must not be overriden at the cost of speed and which may be secondary KPIs. Alternative approaches such as temporary capacity augmentation etc should be explored to meet client demand while ensuring CTQs identified above are not compromised. Clients may be charged a premium for such services unless the cost of such augmentation initiatives is already built in the agreed service charges.

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Adarsh Visaji

Driving Cost Savings & Operational Excellence | Expertise in Lean Six Sigma, TPM, & Digital Transformation | Senior Engineer Impacting Efficiency & Productivity @ Aliaxis / Ashirvad
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Treat safety not just as a KPI, but as a core value. Link it directly to quality and productivity. When pressured for speed, conduct thorough risk assessments. Example: "Our 5S implementation improved safety and boosted output by 10%." Show clients how safety measures enhance overall performance. This value-driven approach balances production demands with unwavering commitment to workplace safety.

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2 Educate Client

It's vital to educate your client on the importance of safety in manufacturing operations. Share how cutting corners can lead to accidents, product defects, or regulatory penalties, all of which can be more costly than a delayed timeline. Make it clear that while you understand their need for speed, safety is not negotiable. Offer examples of how maintaining safety standards has benefited other clients in the long run, reinforcing the value of a cautious approach.

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Adarsh Visaji

Driving Cost Savings & Operational Excellence | Expertise in Lean Six Sigma, TPM, & Digital Transformation | Senior Engineer Impacting Efficiency & Productivity @ Aliaxis / Ashirvad
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Educate clients on safety's crucial role. Illustrate how shortcuts can backfire - accidents, defects, fines. Example: "A rush job led to a 20% defect rate, costing more than the original timeline." Share success stories where safety focus benefited clients long-term. Make it clear: safety isn't negotiable, it's a value driving quality and productivity.

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3 Offer Solutions

After highlighting the risks and educating your client, offer alternative solutions that can help meet their deadlines without sacrificing safety. This could involve streamlining processes, increasing workforce, or investing in technology that enhances efficiency. Your goal is to show that you're working proactively to address their needs while still keeping safety as the top priority. These solutions should be practical and achievable, fostering a partnership approach with the client.

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4 Set Expectations

Setting clear expectations with your client is crucial. Inform them of the realistic timelines required to complete tasks safely and efficiently. If their demands still exceed safe operational capacities, be firm but diplomatic in explaining why certain processes cannot be expedited. It's important to establish boundaries and ensure that your client understands the consequences of ignoring safety protocols, not only for the workers but also for the project's success.

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5 Maintain Dialogue

Maintaining open communication with your client throughout the manufacturing process is essential. Regular updates can help manage their expectations and keep them informed of any challenges or progress. Encourage them to ask questions and provide feedback, which can lead to a more collaborative relationship. This ongoing dialogue is key to ensuring that both speed and safety are balanced effectively.

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Breighanna Burns

Microbiologist II at SK pharmteco
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Project managers and laboratory staff are key in setting a regular cadence for progress updates as the project unfolds. Timely communication of associated wins and setbacks are greatly appreciated by clients. Relaying progress can make or break the overall experience with the manufacturing company. Even in the presence of challenges, clients will build a sense of trust with an organization that is transparent and can make decisions regarding timelines in an ethical and conscientious fashion.

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6 Implement Feedback

Finally, take your client's feedback seriously and use it to improve your operations. If they have valid points about efficiency, consider how you can incorporate their suggestions without compromising safety. Continuous improvement is a hallmark of successful manufacturing operations, and by adapting to client feedback while upholding safety standards, you can enhance both productivity and client satisfaction.

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7 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?

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Tushar Chaudhari

Digital Transformation | IIM Mumbai | MNNIT Allahabad | PGP - AIML | CPIM - APICS | SCM | Operations | Process Excellence | Technology Enablement | Projects Management | Analytics | Tableau | Python
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I think an untouched aspect is to understand holistically what's the client requirement that he wants to go for speed over safety. Is it permanent or temporary? Has something changed now? Based on these aspects, a strategy can be derived a. To make long term design and implementation changes so that speed doesn't come at the cost of quality b. To Look for other variables which may become irrelevant or take charge in new changing situations. It ensures that while we are going for speed, safety is already built in due to environmental or any other foolproof methodology.

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Manufacturing Operations

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You're faced with a client pushing for speed over safety. How do you navigate this delicate balance?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess Risks

2 Educate Client

3 Offer Solutions

4 Set Expectations

5 Maintain Dialogue

6 Implement Feedback

7 Here’s what else to consider

Manufacturing Operations

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You're faced with a client pushing for speed over safety. How do you navigate this delicate balance?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess Risks

2 Educate Client

3 Offer Solutions

4 Set Expectations

5 Maintain Dialogue

6 Implement Feedback

7 Here’s what else to consider

Manufacturing Operations

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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