A new workshop hosted by the University of Houston-Victoria Small Business Development Center will help area entrepreneurs learn how to reduce waste in their businesses and operate efficiently.
Intro to Lean Operations will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1 to 5 p.m. on July 27 in the UHV University North Multi-Purpose Room, 3007 N. Ben Wilson St. Attendees can go to either the morning or afternoon session, and it is requested that no more than two people from each company attend. The free workshop will be presented by Jesus Cano, a manufacturing specialist with the Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center out of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
“This workshop gives people the opportunity to see what Lean is about and how it can apply to their businesses,” Cano said. “These principles can apply to any kind of business, whether it’s a service or manufacturing setting. Some of these tools can even make a difference in a person’s everyday life.”
Lean is a systematic approach used to identify sources of waste in a process and finding ways to minimize or eliminate them. During the workshop, attendees will have the opportunity to work in groups and apply these principles to a simulation using Legos.
“Because no two businesses are the same, lean operations can look different from one to the next,” Cano said. “In the simulation, we like to show people how they can go from a chaotic scene to a well-oiled machine.”
Businesses can determine the areas of focus for waste identification by listening to the voice of the customer and focusing their efforts accordingly, Cano said. That will improve the company’s overall results.
“We are excited to bring this workshop to the Victoria area,” UHV SBDC Director Joe Humphreys said. “There are so many tools that could benefit our local businesses. Lean operations can make a big difference in a region’s economy, and I hope plenty of companies will take advantage of these free workshops.”
The center also offers a free assessment for companies affected by Hurricane Harvey. Assessments are separate from the workshop and can be scheduled by contacting Cano at jesus.cano@utrgv.edu or 956-665-2631.
To register for the workshop, contact the UHV SBDC at 361-485-4485 or email sbdc@uhv.edu.
The UHV SBDC is part of a nationwide small business assistance program serving the small business community in partnership with federal, state and local governments. The center offers business advising, training and technical assistance to existing and start-up businesses in an 11-county area.