TO THE EDITOR:
Nissan has the right idea, and not just for Nissan dealers! As I make my rounds, I witness how bottom-line profit is sapped every day as dealers waste their most perishable product: time.
While not explicitly stated, "Nissan wants to up its service department game" (April 3) describes how the 5S methodology is used in just-in-time manufacturing to organize workspaces.
The good news is that these principles are based on common-sense actions that require little special training or equipment to improve cycle time and apply as much to managing a repair shop as they do manufacturing.
Each S is shorthand for actions that improve efficiency and profitability.
1. Sort: Organize for easy identification and access.
2. Set in order: Arrange necessary items in a logical order.
3. Shine: Clean the workplace.
4. Standardize: Organize processes and procedures into logical sequences that deliver consistency and reduce errors.
5. Sustain: Train the staff and enforce discipline.
Successfully incorporating high-value 5S activities in dealership management, however, demands will and persistence and sadly is often the hardest step of all.
Good luck, Nissan.
ROB KEALEY, Service advantage retail growth specialist, Maritz, Mays Landing, N.J. Maritz is a sales and marketing services company. The writer is a 35-year fixed operations veteran.
