Walking the Walk

Tracking potential offsetting metrics recognizes that efficiencies gained in one area might require more efforts in another area. The key is that the overall initiative is successful on the bottom line, with lasting, sustained results.

It is also important to note that some of these Lean initiatives resulted in increased capacity without requiring significant capital expenditures for equipment. For Multi-Color, with seven manufacturing operations in the U.S. (before the integration of Collotype), the potential for increased production capacity can be significant. To leverage gains across all of its plants, MCC benchmarks the performance of each of its operations. “Monthly key performance indicators for all plants are tracked and compared across our business,” says Arnone, explaining that “best demonstrated practices are implemented as results of exceptional performances are noted in any single metric.”