If you’re a supervisor, manager, or team lead in manufacturing, you’ve probably thought at least once: “I just need more hours in the day.”
You’re not alone. The pressure to juggle increasing workloads while keeping quality, safety, and efficiency in check is never-ending. Delegation helps, but it only goes so far.
Now, imagine if your team had the skills and structure to solve problems on their own, making improvements every day—without needing expensive tech upgrades or massive process overhauls.
That’s exactly what Job Methods (JM) can do for you.
What is Job Methods?
Job Methods (JM) is a simple yet powerful approach to continuous improvement that puts problem-solving directly into the hands of frontline workers.
Developed during World War II as part of the Training Within Industry (TWI) program, JM was designed to quickly train new factory workers. But it’s just as relevant today because it focuses on making the best use of what you already have—people, materials, and machines—to increase output, improve quality, and reduce waste.
And no, it’s not another trendy initiative that fades in a few months. JM aligns seamlessly with Lean principles and complements modern manufacturing strategies like Kaizen and Value Stream Mapping.
Why Should Manufacturing Leaders Care?
- It saves you time.
Let’s be honest—delegation only works when employees have the skills and confidence to take ownership of their work. JM helps them spot inefficiencies and fix them, so small, nagging problems don’t land on your desk every day.
- It empowers your workforce.
With JM training, employees don’t just follow instructions—they learn to analyze their tasks, break them down step by step, ask the right questions (Why, What, Where, When, Who, How?), and propose solutions. This level of ownership boosts engagement and morale.
- It delivers real results.
Companies using JM see increases in productivity, efficiency, and team morale—all from simple, worker-driven improvements.
Real Examples, Real Impact
Problem: A mechanic struggled daily with tightening bolts on awkward parts.
Solution: A simple wooden fixture made the job faster, safer, and less frustrating.
Problem: A worker walked across the plant multiple times a day just to grab supplies.
Solution: By relocating a shelf and adding a Kanban system, unnecessary walking was eliminated, and inventory became easier to track.
Problem: A packaging team constantly moved materials from one end of the line to the other.
Solution: They adjusted the layout, cutting unnecessary steps, speeding up the workflow, and reducing product damage.
None of these changes require new software, expensive equipment, or lengthy approvals—just practical problem-solving by the people who know the work best.
How JM Fits with Your Lean & Kaizen Efforts
You might already run Kaizen events or Value Stream Mapping workshops to tackle big-picture inefficiencies. But JM focuses on the day-to-day— small, overlooked tasks that add up to big time wasters.
The best part? JM doesn’t replace your existing improvement efforts; it strengthens them.
Is JM Right for Your Team?
If any of these sound familiar…
- Your team repeats inefficient steps just because “that’s how we’ve always done it.”
- Quality issues pop up due to handling or setup errors.
- Employees feel disengaged or powerless to improve their work environment.
- You need quick wins to boost morale and drive meaningful change.
Then yes—Job Methods is exactly what you need.
Ready to transform your daily operations with JM? Let’s make every hour count—no extra time needed.
