Increasing Productivity in a Manufacturing Setting using Daily Process Walks

ABSTRACT In manufacturing, daily productivity is critical because as production increases, the capacity to accept orders increases. Organizational Behavior Management strategies and Lean Manufacturing approaches are compatible and produce positive changes in performance. The current study took place at a metal manufacturer and evaluated whether process walks with embedded goal-setting and feedback could increase productivity. Following baseline, we evaluated the effect of a process walk where the superintendent and supervisor discussed the previous performance and set goals for the next shift’s productivity. After a partial withdrawal phase, we added two components to the process walk. Supervisors communicated the goal set during the walk to front-line workers, and performance feedback was publicly posted in the office. Casting productivity improved following the intervention, and superintendents reported having a better understanding of process issues following the intervention.