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David Murby,
Managing Director, 2006/07
Experian Insurance Services
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During the middle of 2007 I was employed at Experian Insurance Services holding the
position of Managing Director of the strategic business unit. We were experiencing
repeated issues with the invoicing IT systems of several of our services. These systems
had grown over many years and were the result of a number of disparate systems being
brought together and then further built upon. The approach to date had been to reactively
resolve issues as they occurred and in some cases this then produced further issues in
later months.
I was keen to identify the causes of the issues, simplify the full processing system and
understand the points where errors were frequently occurring. Having worked with Jeff
Anslow during a previous role I knew that his process definition approach could greatly
help the IT and Finance teams work together to achieve this aim.
Jeff spent time with the teams to carry out a full Value Stream Analysis of the complete
invoicing procedure; this was something of a revelation to the teams who were more used
to directing their attention only at the stage in the process that had delivered the error at
that point in time. The production of a comprehensive current state analysis made the
complexity of the systems, and the areas that were prone to error, much clearer. From this
point a future state analysis was carried out to devise the optimum invoicing process that
we could achieve given the restrictions of the legacy nature of much of the input IT
systems.
Using the G8D problem solving approach in conjunction with the future state mapping my
teams were able to implement changes to the IT systems which greatly improved the
reliability of the processing. In addition to this the teams learnt a great deal that they could
re-use in other areas as well and bringing a multi-disciplinary understanding to the
invoicing process itself. Thus when we had to modify the systems in future this was much
simpler and more effectively implemented.
William L Hayes, Assembly Plant Manager
Caterpillar Inc, Lafayette Engine Centre, Lafayette, Indiana, USA
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"Since the start of our business arrangement with Maxim Business Solutions, they have completed the training for five teams. While we did not expect overnight miracles, we have seen significant progress in several areas. The first two teams have shown a 12% productivity improvement over the first three months of the year. The thing that has become apparent is the significant change in attitude and morale. The dramatic change in the way these teams look at their area (as a business) and the questions they ask, is testimony to the calibre of Maxim’s training staff and material."
Topics Covered : Leadership Development, JIT, 5S, 7 Waste elimination, Standard Operations, Communication, Teamwork, Skills Monitoring,
Benefits : Implementation of best practice techniques for all processes through Teamworking. Improved moral leading to significant business improvement results.
Andrew Lythgoe, Product Manager
RF Brookes (Foodservices, Rogerstone, South Wales)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Through your expertise, knowledge and guidance we were able to gain the IIP Award at RF Brookes (Rogerstone). The training partnership between Maxim Business Solutions and us has enabled RF Brookes (Foodservices) to apply world-class processes from outside the food-producing sector and adapt them into our manufacturing procedures. By ‘bespoking’ our training packages with you, it has enabled the training courses to be directly related to ‘adding value’ back onto the manufacturing environment. The ‘Foodservices Theme Day’ still remains the example to bring through total people involvement and continuous improvement for all businesses in Wales. In terms of value, the one course on CCAR and BOS saved so much money at RF Brookes, it more than paid for all the training conducted at your premises over the past few years.
Thank you for all your support.”
Topics Covered : Leadership Development, 5S, 7 Waste elimination, SMED, Standard Operations, Teamwork.
Benefits : The parent company (Rank Hovis McDougall) committed £32m spend on setting up a green-field site based on the performance improvements successfully gained by the implementation of the above techniques. Andrew Lythgoe was awarded Gwent TEC Businessman of the Year.
Eddie Harrison, Project Coordinator
Bisley Office Equipment, Newport, South Wales
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“….The benefits have not been achieved by merely classroom learning, but by the blend of participative learning and work reference that you have applied to good effect.”
I must commend your management of the course and thank Maxim Business Solutions for the successful accomplishment of all the goals we identified.”
Topics Covered : SMED techniques and Workshops.
Benefits : 1-hour set-up of a Rhodes press reduced to 20 minutes, leading to an increase in throughput of 93,000 parts per day. This prevented the capital expenditure cost for a new Rhodes press that would have cost £1.2m being spent, due to the increase in capacity.
Stuart Hughes, General Manager - Operations
J C Bamford Excavators Ltd. JCB, Rocester, Staffordshire, England
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“As we have now almost completed the first phase of our Lean Implementation strategy at JCB Headquarters here in Rocester, I wanted to say how pleased I am with the initial results and the role you and your team has played in helping us achieve these improvements.
The professional and down-to-earth approach has been a key factor, and the training has been exceptionally well received by everyone in the Division. Again, many thanks and pass on my regards to all of the team.”
Topics Covered : Lean Manufacturing workshops, Business Improvement Techniques, Value Stream Mapping, internal JIT, 5S, Teamwork
Benefits : Smoother flow of materials leading to greater productivity, re-balancing of final assembly lines, increased levels of customer perception (visual management).
The improvements gained contributed to Stuart Hughes being elected the Global JCB Manager of the Year.
Maureen Weaver, Human Resources Manager
Giroflex, Hengoed, South Wales
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“I have now completed the evaluation of the Business Awareness courses. I am pleased to say that the reaction and responses we received were extremely positive.
The atmosphere and environment complimented the professional and friendly manner in which the courses were conducted. It’s early days in terms of assessing the benefits but I would state that as a morale booster is was a 100% success.
The Business Awareness sessions have given us a strong base to build on and I would like to express my thanks for the time and effort that you put into the planning and development of the courses. Thank you for your continued support.”
Topics Covered : Leadership Development, 5S, 7 Waste elimination, SMED, Standard Operations, Teamwork, Skills Monitoring, 3C Audits, Visual Management
Benefits : Restructuring of the Management, Implementation of Cellular Manufacturing, and Standard Operations for all processes and Teamworking. Improved process flow. Sales turnover increased by 50%.
Drew Livingston, AMT Development Manager
Glacier Vandervell, Glasgow, Scotland
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"During the past year we have made significant commitment to the development of all our employees through an initiative to create an 'Autonomous Manufacturing Team' (AMT). The level can be seen through the extensive training programmes being delivered by Maxim Business Solutions. Drawing on their knowledge and experience, by developing a customised programme, this ensured that the training could be directly related to adding value back at the workplace.
What I thought was particularly beneficial about your style was the hands-on approach and the ability to communicate effectively with all levels of employees. I must commend the management of the courses and the pragmatic approach and commitment”.
Topics Covered : Leadership Development, 5S theory and workshops, 7 Waste elimination workshops, SMED activities, Standard Operations, Teamwork, Skills Monitoring, Visual Management
Benefits : Implementation of Standard Operations, 5S, and Employee flexibility increased through teamwork. Reduction in change over times on average by 50%. Customer delivery times were reduced and customer perception enhanced.
Nick Weavis, Managing Director,
Hills Industries, Caerphilly, South Wales
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“What I thought particularly beneficial during the programme was the practical approach you took, your hands on style and your ability to communicate and reach all levels of employees. Most of all though, I appreciate how you are not just focused in the classroom but actually on the implementation of the benefits into our company. Your continuing coaching, visits and training are absolutely imperative in helping us to make the improvements stick.
The pragmatic approach is unique, which I have not come across before, I would rate it the best I have seen.”
Topics Covered: Leadership Training, Teamwork Development, Continuous Improvement, 5S, Standard Operations, Skills Monitoring, Quality Control, CCAR Systems and 3C Audits
Benefits: Implementation of all best practice tools and techniques covered, enabling the site to secure a £2million investment in a new cold roll forming plant. This meant they could bring in more work and expand their portfolio. The site also won Gwent TEC IIP Company of the Year for its employee development.
Dave Matthews, Branch Manager
Acorn Training and Recruitment, Newport, South Wales
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“Maxim Business Solutions provided thorough and precise training. The method of training was easy to follow coupled with an experienced and knowledgeable trainer. Thank you for all your help and assistance”.
Topics Covered: Leadership Training, Teamwork Development, Delegation,
Motivation, Communication Skills, Conflict Management,
Influencing Skills
Benefits: Successful completion of Institute of Leadership and
Management (ILM) qualification.
David Basset, HR Director
Continental Teves, Europe
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"Just as beneficial as the excellent value-added training, has been the
stimulation to challenge other areas of the business in need of improvement”
Topics Covered: Team Leader Development, 5S theory and workshops, 7 Waste elimination workshops, SMED activities, Standard Operations, Skills Monitoring, and Visual Management.
Benefits: Implementation of Standard Operations, 5S, and Employee flexibility increased through teamwork activities. Reduction in change over times, on average by 66%.
Harvey Gilbert, Training Manager
Delphi Diesel Systems, Sudbury, Suffolk, England
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“I have worked with Maxim Business Solutions personally over the last 10 years introducing team-working and Lean into our Manufacturing site. The training has been very successful as, 10 years on; we are seeing the benefits of introducing team-working and the reduction of wastes via the lean techniques. One of Maxim’s strengths is their ability to work and connect with different types of personalities.
I have also used the company to deliver courses such as “Time Management” “P.P.A.P” e.t.c. I have found them helpful and very professional.”
Topics Covered: Leadership Development, Management Development, Effective Teamwork, Skills Monitoring, Visual Management and Lean Techniques.
Benefits: Implementation of new leadership and management structure. The installation of fully empowered and self managing teams that have successfully implemented Lean activities and principals across their areas, leading to much improved KPI’s across the Business.
Janine Hailey
The Wallich (Charity), South Wales
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“Jeff and his Team are passionate about how people learn and this is reflected in the design of all courses. Courses are highly interactive, stimulating and above all enjoyable!!"
Topics Covered: Report Writing, Time Management, Communication Skills, Effective Team Development, Pressure Management, Presentation Skills.
Benefits: Implementation of higher standards to the people who really need help in the community.
Vanessa White, Managing Director
Freshbaked, South Wales
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“Always flexible with regards to meeting last minute training needs, materials and delivery very effective and builds great relationships with delegates”
Topics Covered: Intermediate and Advanced Negotiating Skills, Health and Safety Awareness, Interpersonal Skills, Building Trusting Relationships, Interviewee Skills, Managing Budgets, Project Management.
Benefits: Meeting the varied needs of many external customers.
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