Seminar Content

Seminar Content Description and Expected Outcome

Content may vary depending on seminar duration and audience preference.

Topic	Content	Expected Outcome
Factory Physics® Overview	Basic Factory Physics framework including the need for a buffer to accommodate variability, a discussion of the three buffers available (inventory, time, and capacity), the idea of an “efficient frontier” for operations, and a high level example of how these principles can be applied to improve operations.	A basic, intuitive understanding of the relations between inventory, lead time, capacity, variability, and service.
Basic Factory Physics Dynamics	A description of the fundamental relationships between work in process, cycle time and throughput. Absolute Benchmarking is introduced as an objective framework for determining best, marginal and worst case performance boundaries for a process. The uses of Absolute Benchmarking for identifying process improvement opportunities are explored.	Further quantitative understanding of process performance fundamentals. Understanding of the use of Absolute Benchmarking. Preliminary evaluations of where participants process (es) are performing.
Variability Basics	A quantitative description of the parameters and equations governing variability in process performance. Definition of the three levers (inventory, time and capacity) used to manage variability when trying to achieve best cash flow and highest profitability.	Improved understanding of the drivers of variability in processes. Improved understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of popular continuous improvement programs.
Corrupting Influence of Variability	A description of the effects of variability on process performance and the appropriate priority to place on variability reduction in addressing process performance.	Improved understanding of the role of variability in process performance. A framework for understanding appropriate uses of Six Sigma, Lean, and Theory of Constraint tools in performance improvement efforts.
Optimizing Inventories	An overview of the drivers of inventory is provided. Involves an exercise in reducing inventory while maintaining a high level of customer service.	Better understanding of inventory management and methods to improve existing operations. Familiarization with the use of efficient frontier curves for making strategic inventory decisions.
Financial Measures	The primary requirement for any business is to stay in business and that means staying profitable. Throughout the seminar, Factory Physics concepts are continually addressed in the context of how they help achieve financial and marketing objectives.	A detailed understanding of how the natural conflicts in a business can be best managed to achieve highest possible cash flow. Improved understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of standard cost accounting measures and solutions for addressing the gaps.
Value Stream Mapping +	Combining the best of value stream mapping ideas with Factory Physics analytics to provide a powerful tool to identify and optimize a value stream.	Participants will learn how to extend traditional VSM training to include capacity utilization, inventory, and on-time delivery. Appreciate the power of value stream optimization in addition to mapping.
Factory Physics Planning and Scheduling	This module pulls together many of the other modules to provide a system for planning and scheduling that combines the best of ERP and Lean to create a planning system that is simple, efficient, and robust.	Overview of MRP and Lean and the problems associated with each. How these problems are addressed with Factory Physics principles. Explain how the "Dynamic Risk-based Scheduling" system works with real-world examples.
Computer Simulation examples and case studies	EXCEL examples for simple demonstration of concepts and applications to participants’ companies. Demonstrations of Factory Physics’ CSUITE software.	Insight to how software can be used to assess and improve performance. Experience interpreting the outcome of a Monte Carlo simulation.
Factory Physics Sales and Operations Planning	A capstone discussion demonstrating application of powerful Factory Physics concepts to firmly link optimal strategic planning to daily execution.	An understanding of how executive strategies can be tied directly to daily execution to achieve marketing and financial goals. Knowledge of how to completely change the way you use your ERP/MRP system so that it is a powerful planning and control tool rather than only a transaction tracking database.