Nick Vlassis

There are many digital tools available for planning work, however the adoption varies. So, it is important to use the appropriate tool for the specific person. It might well be that a simple email will do. The main point to avoid the issue happening again is to spell out in black and white and agree on what needs to happen/be delivered. Misunderstandings can happen, so it is crucial to address and put guardrails around.

Physical move across the space gives an indication about your aura and if you are open to be approached. Sometimes I find myself thinking something really deep and people pass by me waving without me noticing. Being present in the moment is so important for other people to come and talk to you and sometimes distractions do not allow us. Our ever decreasing span of attention also contributes to this. Did you know that our average span of attention decreased from 150 seconds in 2004 to just 40 seconds in 2024, based on latest studies? This is so difficult to extend with all the digital tools we have, meaning that we are less approachable when it comes to F2F.

In the past, while developing sourcing strategies for electronics, it proved to be very important to create a diagram and map stakeholders based on their level of influence (low to high) and level of support (low to high). Then, prioritization to the ones with high level of influence and low level of support was the key for success. When faced with such stakeholders consider communicating through different channels, travel great distances to meet F2F and also consider creating an "alliance" with their more supportive peers and let them influence these less supportive stakeholders. It is astonishing how even the most difficult stakeholders can follow your vision for 6σ, if they get a good word from someone they trust.

Let us not forget that VSM can be a lengthy and laborious process. It is important to consider and respect timeframes in this process and ensure that VSM clarifies rather than complicates things even more. Also, make VSM fit for purpose. For instance, not all electronic devices are the same as some might entail more regulations (e.g. electronic medical devices) or other unique characteristics (e.g. components coming from a sole source linked with IP). At the end, VSM should be an aligned view of what is happening and be an input for concrete improvement actions.

Consider options like leveraging an electronic distributor to store and manage your inventory with your external manufacturer. It does come with a cost that needs to be taken into account in your Total Cost of Ownership calculation, but can be a lever to reduce internal resources that also cost. Do not forget any tax and finance implications for your company and ensure no value leakage as you are negotiating directly with any Tier IIs.

We need to be very clear what we mean with sustainability and what actually provides to the bottom line. Consumers generally like the concept, but they are not always willing to pay more to get a "green" product. As such products generally cost more due to the "refined" ingredients and processes used, we need to be conscious of the price sensitivity at the end product. And let us not forget that sustainability might have other halo effect benefits like brand loyalty, share price increase, talent attraction etc.