Quantcast
Jump to content


Recommended Posts

Posted

You don't have to be an engineer to appreciate this story.

 

A toothpaste factory had a problem: they sometimes shipped empty boxes, without the tube inside. This was due to the way the production line was set up, and people with experience in designing production lines will tell you how difficult it is to have everything happen with timings so precise that every single unit coming out of it is per...fect 100% of the time.

 

Understanding how important that was, the CEO of the toothpaste factory got the top people in the company together and they decided to start a new project, in which they would hire an external engineering company to solve their empty boxes problem.

 

Six months (and $8 million) later they had a fantastic solution - on time and on budget. They solved the problem by using high-tech precision scales that would sound a bell and flash lights whenever a toothpaste box would weigh less than it should. The line would stop, and someone had to walk over and yank the defective box out of it, pressing another button when done to re-start the line.

 

A while later, the CEO decides to have a look at the project. No empty boxes ever shipped out of the factory after the scales were put in place...very few customer complaints, and they were gaining market share. "That's some money well spent!" he says, before looking closely at the other statistics in the report.

 

It turns out the number of defects picked up by the scales was 0 after three weeks of production use. It should've been picking up at least a dozen a day, so maybe there was something wrong with the report. After some investigation, the engineers come back saying the report was actually correct. The scales really weren't picking up any defects, because all boxes that got to that point in the conveyor belt were good.

 

Puzzled, the CEO travels down to the factory, and walks up to the part of the line where the precision scales were installed. A few feet before the scale, there was a $20 desk fan, blowing the empty boxes out of the belt and into a bin.

 

"Oh, that," says one of the workers - "one of the guys put it there 'cause he was tired of walking over every time the bell rang".

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Available Subscriptions

  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

         0 comments
      It always amazes me when I hear about a technician who quits one repair shop to go work at another shop for less money. I know you have heard of this too, and you’ve probably asked yourself, “Can this be true? And Why?” The answer rests within the culture of the company. More specifically, the boss, manager, or a toxic work environment literally pushed the technician out the door.
      While money and benefits tend to attract people to a company, it won’t keep them there. When a technician begins to look over the fence for greener grass, that is usually a sign that something is wrong within the workplace. It also means that his or her heart is probably already gone. If the issue is not resolved, no amount of money will keep that technician for the long term. The heart is always the first to leave. The last thing that leaves is the technician’s toolbox.
      Shop owners: Focus more on employee retention than acquisition. This is not to say that you should not be constantly recruiting. You should. What it does means is that once you hire someone, your job isn’t over, that’s when it begins. Get to know your technicians. Build strong relationships. Have frequent one-on-ones. Engage in meaningful conversation. Find what truly motivates your technicians. You may be surprised that while money is a motivator, it’s usually not the prime motivator.
      One last thing; the cost of technician turnover can be financially devastating. It also affects shop morale. Do all you can to create a workplace where technicians feel they are respected, recognized, and know that their work contributes to the overall success of the company. This will lead to improved morale and team spirit. Remember, when you see a technician’s toolbox rolling out of the bay on its way to another shop, the heart was most likely gone long before that.
  • Similar Topics

    • By carmcapriotto
      Podcasting isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about sharing the journey. In this episode, we tackle the hard truth: Podcast hosts don’t have it all figured out. From the insecurities of giving advice to the challenges of staying authentic, we explore what it really means to put yourself out there as a host.
      You’ll discover how to sift through advice, find what works for you, and embrace the imperfect process of learning and leading. If you’ve ever felt like you don’t have it all together, this episode will remind you—you’re not alone.
      Listen in for an honest discussion about navigating the auto repair industry, embracing authenticity, and growing through the challenges of imperfection!
      Thank you to our friends at RepairPal for providing you this episode. RepairPal’s Certified
      Network of shops are trusted by millions of customers each month. Learn more at
      RepairPal.com/shops
      Are you ready to convert clients to members? App fueled specializes in creating custom apps tailored specifically for auto repair businesses. Build client loyalty. Get started today with your own customer loyalty app. Visit Appfueled.com
      Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)
      https://shopmarketingpros.com/ep-118-doing-video-every-day-for-a-month/ - Episode 118 VEDA
      https://agencyanalytics.com/blog/how-profit-first-helped-this-agency-scale - Profit First Was the Key to Our Agency’s Financial Transformation
      https://shopmarketingpros.com/ep-125-its-ok-to-dream-big-stop-playing-small/ - It’s OK to Dream Big (Stop Playing Small)
      Show Notes with Timestamps
      Introduction to the Episode (00:00:01)  Brian introduces the podcast and sets the theme about podcast hosts not having all the answers. Inspiration from Mike Allen's Post (00:00:10)  Discussion on how Mike Allen's humorous post sparked Brian's reflections on podcasting and advice-giving. Brian's Insecurities as a Host (00:01:15)  Brian shares his personal insecurities regarding his role as a podcast host and influencer. Critique of Influencers (00:02:26)  Brian expresses frustration with influencers who claim to have life figured out, relating it to his experiences. Sharing Personal Experiences (00:03:33)  Emphasis on the importance of sharing personal learning experiences rather than presenting oneself as an expert. Struggles with Advice-Giving (00:04:36)  Brian discusses his ongoing struggles with the advice he shares in his podcasts and posts. Imposter Syndrome (00:05:37)  Brian reflects on feelings of imposter syndrome when sharing advice on managing expenses and business practices. Going Against Popular Opinion (00:06:46)  Brian talks about the challenges of discussing unpopular business opinions and the reactions he receives. Sponsor Promotion: RepairPal (00:08:54)  Brian promotes RepairPal and its benefits for auto repair shops seeking new customers. Sponsor Promotion: App Fueled (00:09:55)  Introduction of App Fueled and its services for building customer loyalty apps for auto repair businesses. Rewarding Success Stories (00:10:59)  Brian shares the rewarding experience of hearing success stories from listeners implementing his advice. Discernment in Advice-Giving (00:12:03)  Brian advises listeners to discern the credibility of advice from various influencers and podcasters. Conclusion and Reflection (00:13:10)  Brian wraps up the discussion, emphasizing the importance of honesty in sharing experiences and insights.
      How To Get In Touch
      Group - Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind
      Website - shopmarketingpros.com 
      Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros 
      Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/book
      Instagram - @shopmarketingpros 
      Questions/Ideas - [email protected]
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care, NAPA TRACS and Automotive Management Network Take a tour of Joe's Garage at AAPEX 2024! Explore cutting-edge automotive training and get the latest updates from Bosch, including the critical role of ADAS calibration, educating customers on recalibration, and the advancements in camera technology for vehicle safety systems. Matt Fanslow, Riverside Automotive, Red Wing, MN, Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z Podcast Show Notes Watch Full Video Episode Training on the Show Floor (00:00:06) Importance of Calibration (00:01:50) Interview with Carl Schneider (00:02:34) Live Demonstrations of Calibration (00:03:17) Advancements in Calibration Technology (00:04:29) Liability in Calibration (00:06:04) Terminology in Calibration (00:07:01) Industry Awareness of ADAS (00:08:09) Importance of Reading Manuals (00:09:50) Customer Education on Calibration (00:13:34) Simplifying ADAS Calibration (00:15:32) Advancements in Equipment (00:16:08) Importance of ADAS Calibration (00:16:45) Finding ADAS Solutions (00:17:07) Space Requirements for ADAS (00:17:17) Equipment Adaptability (00:17:35) Lighting Considerations (00:18:04)
      Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care, NAPA TRACS and Automotive Management Network Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/ Get ready to grow your business with the Automotive Management Network: Find on the Web at http://AftermarketManagementNetwork.com for information that can help you move your business ahead and for the free and informative http://LaborRateTracker.com Connect with the Podcast: -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters -Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976 -Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto -Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ -Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ -Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz -Visit the Website: https://remarkableresults.biz/ -Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider -All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books -Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom -Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/ Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/ Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/ The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/ The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/ Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/         Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By Joe Marconi
      We are almost at the end of 2024, a time when you need to do an assessment of 2024, and look forward to the future. 
      Leaders must have clearly defined written goals.
      Have you taken the time to establish your goals, shared them with your team and created the steps to attain these goals? 
       
    • By Joe Marconi
      As a former shop owner turned business coach, this is a topic that I see often: A shop takes the time to establish their true labor rate, and in many cases, raises their labor rate significantly.  While they get a short-term boost in labor profit, the long-term results are mediocre, at best. Why?
      One of the reasons is that the cost of doing of business has also increased, along with payrolls, and in many cases, at a faster rate then the rising labor rates. And then there is the issue with poor productivity. 
      Has this happen to you and what are your strategies to maintain needed profits? 
    • By carmcapriotto
      The Weekly Blitz is brought to you by our friends over at Shop Marketing Pros. If you want to take your shop to the next level, you need great marketing. Shop Marketing Pros does top-tier marketing for top-tier shops.
      Click here to learn more about Top Tier Marketing by Shop Marketing Pros and schedule a demo:https://shopmarketingpros.com/chris/
      Check out their podcast here: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/
      If you would like to join their private Facebook group go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autorepairmarketingmastermind
      In this episode of "The Weekly Blitz," Coach Chris Cotton from Auto Fix Auto Shop Coaching provides an in-depth exploration of managing parts costs in auto repair businesses, a critical aspect of maintaining profitability and efficiency. He begins by outlining effective strategies for handling core returns, which are essential for recouping costs and maintaining good relationships with suppliers. Chris emphasizes the importance of having a systematic approach to managing new part returns, ensuring that any defective or unnecessary parts are returned promptly to avoid unnecessary expenses.
      Furthermore, Chris highlights the significance of a well-organized receiving process. By implementing clear procedures and assigning accountability, auto repair shops can minimize errors and streamline operations. This organized approach not only reduces costs but also enhances the overall workflow within the shop.
      In addition to parts management, Chris discusses the often-overlooked area of shop supplies. He stresses the need for careful monitoring and management of these supplies to prevent waste and ensure that they contribute positively to the shop's bottom line. Implementing a structured parts matrix is another key strategy Chris recommends. This matrix helps in setting appropriate pricing levels for parts, ensuring that the shop remains competitive while also maintaining healthy profit margins.
      Chris also underscores the necessity of regularly evaluating these processes. By doing so, auto repair businesses can adapt to market trends and inflation, ensuring that their strategies remain effective and relevant in a constantly changing industry landscape.
      Sponsored by Shop Marketing Pros, the episode also highlights the critical role of effective marketing strategies for auto repair shops. Chris points out that in addition to managing costs, attracting and retaining customers through strategic marketing is vital for the long-term success of any auto repair business. The sponsorship by Shop Marketing Pros serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of operational efficiency and marketing prowess in driving business growth.
      Introduction to Parts Management (00:00:11)
      Coach Chris Cotton introduces the importance of managing parts costs in auto repair shops.
      Core Returns Importance (00:02:13)
      Discusses the significance of tracking core returns to avoid losing money on refundable deposits.
      New Part Returns Management (00:04:40)
      Explains how to manage new part returns to minimize errors and losses.
      Receiving Process for Parts (00:07:57)
      Emphasizes the need for an organized receiving process to prevent mix-ups and errors.
      Shop Supplies Overview (00:10:49)
      Highlights the importance of shop supplies in parts costs and how to manage them effectively.
      Parts Matrix Implementation (00:14:28)
      Discusses the necessity of using a structured parts matrix for pricing and profitability.
      Regular Evaluation of Processes (00:16:45)
      Encourages regular evaluation of parts processes to ensure efficiency and adaptability in the business.


      Connect with Chris:
      [email protected]
      Phone: 940.400.1008
      www.autoshopcoaching.com
      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
      AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYoutube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae


      #autofixautoshopcoaching #autofixbeautofixing #autoshopprofits #autoshopprofit #autoshopprofitsfirst #autoshopleadership #autoshopmanagement #autorepairshopcoaching #autorepairshopconsulting #autorepairshoptraining #autorepairshop #autorepair #serviceadvisor #serviceadvisorefficiency #autorepairshopmarketing #theweeklyblitz #autofix #shopmarketingpros #autofixautoshopcoachingbook
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio


  • Our Sponsors



×
×
  • Create New...