Page 34 - CMA PROfiles Spring 2019

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

A recent thread in the forums
suggested that we create a unique
hashtag to share our lean journeys
on Instagram. The hashtag is
#CMAlean. You can use this channel
I recently participated in a webinar This advice was particularly timely to share photos about your lean
hosted by ITR Economics, a global eco- as it relates to our focus this year on implementations and also view what
nomic forecasting and consulting firm. workforce development. Automating others have done.
ITR’s forecasts are amazingly accurate, as many processes and procedures as
and their speakers are among the best possible is more than a good idea – All CMA members should use the
I’ve ever heard. I highly recommend it’s good business. And it is more than hashtag #procabinetmaker on your
that you subscribe to their economic just purchasing a new machine; it also Instagram posts and other social
updates at www.itreconomics.com. includes implementing lean practices media. This allows fellow members
throughout your entire business to find your posts easily and keep up
The subject of this particular webinar operation with project management with what you’re sharing. You can
was “Manufacturing in 2019: Preparing systems, CRM software, marketing then see what other members are
for the Slowdown.” Rather than automation platforms, etc. Using doing by putting
focus on the negative impact of this these types of systems to improve #procabinetmaker into the search
economic “lull” (to use their word), the work flow also helps your corporate field on Instagram or by “following”
webinar shared strategies for how to do culture, which helps you retain the this hashtag; this means the posts
business differently this year. Given that employees you already have. will show up in your Instagram feed
it will continue to be difficult to attract automatically.
talent and fill jobs, ITR’s advice was to
automate and streamline production.

32 PROFILES SPRING 2019