Performance assessments improve productivity

Rockwell Automation has expanded its range of training and performance services with the introduction of two levels of Integrated Performance Assessments (IPAs).

Rockwell Automation has expanded its range of training and performance services with the introduction of two levels of Integrated Performance Assessments (IPAs).

At the cornerstone of Rockwell Automation's Training and Performance Services offering, IPAs use an innovative seven-step process that identifies the factors that limit a plant or enterprise's performance.

An IPA is designed to measure skill levels in either a particular section of a production process or across a manufacturing enterprise, with outcomes being detailed reports and action plans geared to optimising performance, minimising downtime and improving productivity.

When technologies and processes change or human resources are redeployed, a knowledge gap often results.

In many cases this gap existed all along, but has gone unrecognised, or has been dealt with through undocumented trial and error.

This can result in increased downtime, reduced productivity, poor product quality, missed market opportunities, high employee turnover or reduced profits.

By formally analysing skills levels, knowledge gaps can be identified and filled, whether they result from a change in the process or personnel or have existed for some time.

A Level 1 IPA focuses on skill and knowledge requirements for a specific job category.

It is ideal for those companies who are committed to system-wide improvements in plant performance, and the resulting solutions are typically performance-based training to ensure employees are adequately skilled to perform specific job functions.

The outcomes of a Level 1 IPA include: personalised strategy based on the organisation's goals; project-scope definition and customised approach; expert analysis and results presentation; personalised action plan for success; expert training across global equipment brands; and follow-up performance-based measurement.

The more advanced Level 2 IPA assesses the entire enterprise and delivers long-term support for organisations aiming for world-class manufacturing performance.

The Level 2 IPA provides maximum value, with solutions that are anything but ordinary and far more comprehensive than job-specific training.

This IPA examines the technology, systems, processes and motivational influences required to support the organisation from planning to production and fulfilment.

Andy Sloan, managing director of Rockwell Automation's global Training and Performance Services, says: "A Level 2 IPA meets the needs of manufacturers which are committed to quality products and total customer satisfaction, are motivated by a company-wide vision of success and a desire to foster loyalty among employees and are geared up for profitable expansion - the truly 'world class' organisations".

The Level 2 IPA goes beyond traditional skills assessment and training, utilising the Seven-Track model to examine the seven critical areas essential to the success of all companies.

These are: people issues - management and supervisory systems; organisational systems - policies, rewards and incentives; manufacturing processes; the work environment; total skill and knowledge inventory; targeted job aids and performance support tools; and products and supporting technologies.

"Successful integration of these critical areas is what separates companies which lead through continuous improvements from those who consistently fall short and, ultimately, far behind", says Sloan.

"Case studies of successful implementation of Level 2 IPAs across a range of industries demonstrate clear, measurable results with a payback of several times the initial investment in the first year".

The Level 2 IPA offers all the benefits delivered by Level 1 plus: formal report with expert analysis and results presentation; detailed training and performance support strategy; on-the-job training to boost performance; and strategies to resolve motivation and environment issues.

"Initial discussions with key UK organisations have drawn a very positive response", says Rick Johnson, Rockwell Automation's UK Training Manager.

"A typical comment is that the IPA is 'a breath of fresh air' in the myriad performance related offerings available to UK companies".

Rockwell Automation has expanded its training portfolio and now provides a full range of manufacturing-led learning, human performance, assessment and audit services.

These are not limited to Rockwell Automation hardware or software, and manufacturers do not need to use Allen-Bradley products to obtain measurable benefits in improved usage of production systems.

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