The importance of planning

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Whatever the job, planning is a vital ingredient. Whether you are a bus driver planning a manoeuvre or an industry worker planning to manufacture a batch of products.

While some might think it is quicker and more productive to dive straight in and get on with the job, those with more experience understand the value of thinking things through and being suitably prepared.

Here are three things your employees should be asking themselves before starting work.

1. Have I checked the details?
Your employees need to know exactly what is required and what is expected of them. The manufacturing spec sheet should specify all the materials, equipment, processes/settings, quantities and deadlines.

Drivers should know their route and what to do in the event of a diversion or other unexpected event.

Referring to the details regularly ensures that the task is completed successfully and with as few errors/mishaps and as little waste as possible.

2. Do I have enough materials?Whether it's raw materials for use in production or fuel for a vehicle — it's always important to check there is enough to do the job and a contingency just in case something unexpected happens.

3. What can I prepare in advance?When a deadline is involved, anything that can be done to save time is a bonus. It might be organising equipment, gathering materials together, part-assembling products or clearing away clutter/waste that might get in the way.

Planning the job properly means there is less scope for making errors. Fewer errors ultimately means the job takes less time, creates less waste and incurs less cost.

For employees in industry, planning the job makes things easier by keeping tools and materials to hand and spreading the work more evenly over the time period. This, in turn, reduces last-minute pressure and stress, which can often lead to mistakes.

For drivers, planning a manoeuvre allows a full assessment of the space, surroundings and potential hazards. A well-planned manoeuvre is less likely to result in a collision or damage to the vehicle.

So, in short, planning is important for safety, quality control, waste reduction, timing, cost maintenance, error reduction and to ease stress and pressure.

Kodiak's motivational poster programme regularly covers the importance of planning. 

If you would like to find out more about how our posters can help your employees to plan their work more effectively, please contact us.

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If you would like to find out how Kodiak posters 
can help your business work smoother, smarter 
and safer, please call us on: 01530 456 000 
or email us.