The method by which we make leather
is critical to the quality, consistency and
performance of the finished article. Mistakes
and errors are always possible because leather
manufacture is a complex blend of disciplines
and technology. Even the process laid-down can
be subject to interpretation between one person
and another. This often gives subtle differences
in the actual application of the process and
can lead to inconsistencies.
Auditing
of a client's process against the principles
of "best practice" for the operation
can provide guidance about how differences occur
and provide the knowledge to make small adjustments
that pay-back in quality and consistency.
Structured examination of the process, from
raw to tanned, tanned to crust or crust to finished
can be arranged. Each section breaks down the
process, looks at the areas of critical control,
how the controls are administered and whether
the parameters are reasonable with respect to
the product being made. A full confidential
report is written for the company to use as
a tool for improvement.
Why
should you have an outsider audit your process?
Improvement
is the aim, whether it is in the area of better-faster-cheaper,
or whether it is more related to the understanding
of the people involved that need to be more
diligent in process application.
Control
will improve as a result of a company identifying
the causes of inconsistencies and standardising
the systems used, identify and close down invisible
costs that make a drain on profitability even
before the product reaches the customer. Cost
of poor quality, reworks and excess work-in-progress
stocks prove unnecessary diverts for cash flow
and resources. These elements provide extra
weight for the organisation to carry and make
it less flexible and harder
to manage.
Product Consistency
at times, the most elusive of the tanner's problems.
At the fundamental level, the product is variable.
It should not be, but how many production and
technical managers are so close to the problem
that they can't see the wood for the trees?
This is the field of the tannery consultant,
unraveling the complexity and exposing the critical
elements that will bring about greater success.
How
green is your tannery?
Regardless of how "environmentally
responsible" the products we make are with
respect to the claims we make, we are all aware
of the extent that tannery effluent makes for
bad press and poor relationships with the neighbours
and authorities, Use this audit method as a
confidential and economical environmental assurance
and insurance route, putting your company in
a position where you can be more assured of
a positive reception by export customers.
