Unipart Logistics Site Visit

11 May 2009

The CIPS NSW Committee were happy to report a ‘full house’ for the region’s evening visit to Unipart Logistics at Erskine Park on 30 April.

CIPS members and guests were introduced to Unipart’s lean working philosophy as it applies to its supply chain operations. This philosophy has led to the development of a range of sophisticated tools and techniques which create continuous improvement and control of supply chain operations.

The introductory talks by management were followed by informative small group tours of Unipart’s administrative area and warehouse, which is the Australian central  location for Jaguar automotive spare parts. Groups were shown how Unipart uses visual management techniques in both the office and warehouse areas to ensure that any supply or storage problems come to notice immediately and that consultative action is taken to correct the problems.

The opening talks and a concluding Q & A session  were held in Unipart’s “Jaguar Room” which is set up to display the steps that ensure the lean thinking philosophy is applied in practice. This room is also the base for Unipart’s “Lean Academy” which delivers a five-day training course in how to use a “Learning by Doing” approach. The Academy’s training is part of an alliance with TAFE’s Western Sydney Institute and Australian Business Limited.

CIPSA extends its thanks to the management and staff of Unipart for hosting the evening and providing an excellent presentation of their policies and procedures. The next NSW event will be held on May 19 and will address a number of myths surrounding procurement.

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