What is QRM? | Manufacturing lead time reduction strategy

What is Quick Response Manufacturing?

Quick Response Manufacturing is a company-wide strategy to reduce lead times in all phases of manufacturing and office operations. It is particularly suited to high-mix, low-volume, and custom engineered environments.

Companies using QRM are able to significantly reduce their lead times which not only results in quicker response to their customers, but also improved quality and lower costs.

The Four Core Concepts of QRM are described below.

Four Core Concepts of QRM Strategy:

1. Realizing the Power of Time
It's easy to recognize that long lead times can make it difficult to meet your customers' needs, but the sources of long lead time and the impacts of long lead time on your company aren't as obvious. Core Concept One details the numerous reasons why lead time is important (much more important than most managers realize), how it influences total operating cost and quality, and how to take advantage of this realization.
2. Rethinking the Organizational Structure
Core Concept Two shows you how to restructure your organization on the shop floor and in the office to facilitate lead time reduction by organizing into QRM Cells. While cells are not new to manufacturing strategy, QRM Cells have several unique features that support lead time reduction.
3. Exploiting System Dynamics
The interactions between machines, people, and products impact lead time. Core Concept Three is an introduction to system dynamics principles specifically tailored to high-mix, low-volume environments. The QRM approach to capacity planning (e.g. machine and labor utilization) and batch sizing allows companies to exploit system dynamics principles in order to achieve lead time reduction.
4. Implementing a Unified Strategy Enterprise-Wide
The same time-based principles that apply to the shop floor can be applied throughout your organization. Core Concept Four briefly describes the QRM methods that extend to material planning, purchasing and supply chain management, office operations, and new product development.