Data analytics can be extremely complex and invaluable, even for a food manufacturer trying to figure out how to leverage 300 data points for a single block of cheese. A source of truth, or sources of truth, are central to data analytics, and to establishing an authoritative repository where everyone in an organization can access accurate, up-to-date information. When more than one or multiple sources of truth exist, it often becomes more complex, and it can be harder to effectively maintain accurate, effective and consistent sharing and learning among stakeholders.
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In this context, building trust and credibility, data sharing across distinct functions within the organization, ensuring quality inputs of original raw source of truth information becomes hypercritical. This week, on the topic of data analytics, Jason Greer joins Leisa Fox and The Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, shedding light on how his company Higher Standard Consulting starts. By listening and learning what organizations are doing to leverage data, lean concepts, and process efficiencies that build quality in, create flow.
Jason Greer’s first question to a client is “What does success look kike to you?” – understanding that the answer will differ for every person, industry or manufacturer, he said. While mapping processes on sticky notes early in his career, Jason realized the vital role data play. The opportunities associated with the ability to capture and leverage clean outputs would work toward saving time, reducing waste, improving quality and a whole lot more.
So, how can we open access to more data so the entire organization can benefit, leveraging the “right” data from the right buckets – to define value and thoroughly pursue “perfection” – creativity and consistently?
Cheese Food Manufacturing Case: Slicing Through the Data
For his client, a cheese manufacturer who was having consistency issues in the grades at which the cheeses were landing, Jason and his company stepped in. Interestingly, the variability seemed to stem from the time of day, it was discovered. Jason and his team coalesced the more than 300 data elements and mapped them out. Ultimately, they found that the pH levels in the vats were perfect at the beginning of the day, so most of the batches completed then were coming in at the Grade A level.
By midday, the Grade was B and by the end of the day, they were left with Grade C cheese. This deeply affected the margins and revenues ultimately. With a few inexpensive tweaks, the manufacturer was able to maintain consistent tolerances to produce mostly Grade A cheese.
The Food Industry Association presents some unique food industry facts.
Data Analytics: Consistently Uncovering the Greatest Value
This work wasn’t done by chemists or PhDs, this work was done through data analytics and a high attention to detail. When I asked Jason what industry he prefers to work in, he said, “it doesn’t matter to me. I love complex problems and bringing in the experts to analyze the right data.”
Adding AI to the mix takes it to an even higher level of accuracy and efficiency. He and his team are leveraging it whenever it makes sense, saving the client and his team valuable time and therefore money.
Listening, Asking: Tying Source of Truth Questions, Data Analytics Together
Which sources of truth should be explored? Can we trust the data? How do we build better systems? Can data be more effectively merged across systems and discover the true impact for clients? Is the proper level of governance and controls in place to protect the data?
From the initial raw data capture and clean inputs, to learning how to manage and leverage insights gained from the outputs into actionable insights. Identifying challenges and formulating solutions to solve the problems that people and organizations, including those in the Iowa manufacturing industry, face.
When there is consistency across various departments and functions, and everyone is singing from the same song sheet when referencing data, there’s less room for error and misinterpretation. Accurate data is key to informed decision-making – a reliable source of truth or well managed and understood multiple sources of truth empowers leaders and teams to make decisions based on the same set of facts, leading to more cohesive and strategic actions.
As the saying goes, “You don’t know what you don’t know.” Jason says, “Data is not a technology problem… this is really a business problem.” For Leisa Fox’s part, lean in with The Iowa Manufacturing Podcast this week and see what other questions are being asked and may be answered through aligning sources of truth into data analytics strategy and implementation.
Manufacturing Intelligence: Lean in with Leisa Fox, Jason Greer
This fascinating episode covers the gambit of data analytics and intelligence. In the world of manufacturing, the complexities within the product development and manufacturing spaces can be great… and oftentimes, tolerances are low, the amount of margin determining the difference between profit and loss can be slim. Jason Greer and his team at Higher Standard Consulting can sift through hundreds of data elements, identify trends and similarities and diagnose the root issue. For more information on the amazing work Higher Standard Consulting does, contact Jason at Jason@higherstandardconsulting.com or by phone at 515-360-3860.