The shopfloor, also known as the "place where value is created" or simply the "workshop," refers to the area in a company where the actual value-added processes occur. In production, it is the space where employees and managers collaborate directly to optimize processes and solve problems.
Shopfloor Management (SFM) is a core element of Lean Management. It is a leadership approach where managers are actively present at the place where value is created. This "on-site leadership" facilitates direct communication, quick problem-solving, and continuous process improvement.
Direct On-Site Leadership
Managers' presence on the shopfloor is critical for:
Structured Communication
Effective communication on the shopfloor includes:
Prerequisites
Best Practices
The shopfloor is a central element of Lean principles, enabling:
Shopfloor Management is more than a leadership concept—it embodies the practical application of a value-driven corporate culture directly at the site of value creation. By consistently implementing Shopfloor Management, companies can sustainably improve their processes and boost production efficiency.
The key to success lies not only in the formal components of Shopfloor Management but also in the active engagement of all participants and the consistent execution of structured on-site problem-solving.