In the manufacturing sector, skilled manpower and efficient machines play an important role. The role of scientific management in the manufacturing sector cannot be underestimated. I have an interesting story to share.
The hero of this story is no other than Fedrick Winslow Taylor, who is considered to be the father of scientific management. Without going much into the life of this great management guru, I would like to share one interesting incident that relates to Taylor. Perhaps after reading this story you may be inclined to find out more about him.
Taylor who was well known for his famous treatise ‘Principles of Scientific Management', worked as a foreman in Bethlehem Steel Work, Philadelphia. How he gained entry into this company is very interesting. Before joining this company, he would just go to the factory and sit outside the factory gate observing the workers shifting pig iron in small trolleys to the furnace inside the factory.
The supervisor standing at the gate of the company got curious about Taylor sitting outside the factory and jotting down points in a small notebook. He approached Taylor and asked him what he was up to. Taylor calmly replied that he was observing and noting down how much time and money was being wasted by the labour of the company. The supervisor expressed his keenness to know about the wastages taking place in the company.
Taylor politely refused to divulge his observations and instead requested the supervisor to take him with honour to the CEO of the company. The supervisor readily agreed and the meeting with the CEO was duly arranged. Taylor disclosed his observation to the CEO who was simply amazed at the wonderful observations made by young Taylor. He immediately agreed to absorb him in the company but he refused to work for a salary. Instead, he demanded that he be paid on the basis of profits made by the company.
This goes to prove his obsession with profits. There is also a message to the youngsters of today. The best way to create a demand for your profession is to create a necessity for your induction. That’s what Taylor did. He didn’t ask for a job. The job was given to him without his request. In fact, the employer invited him to join the company.
After reading about Taylor I am convinced that good machines also demand systematic management. It is also imperative to investigate the efficiency of labour and machines are investigated scientifically and not on the basis of claims made by the manufacturers or advertiser. We at Machine Maker are making an all-round effort of understanding modern manufacturing and suggesting the best machines for manufacturing
Machines depend upon manpower and machine efficiency is very important. There is no point in buying cheap machines and employing low-cost labour. What matters most is productivity. There should be less breakdown of machines and smart and trained manpower operating the machines could cut the operational cost and thereby increasing the profits of a company.
Scientific management suggests that manufacturers should first create an organization and determine the best way to complete a manufacturing task. Whenever a new machine is purchased the workers should be trained to make the best use of the machines. After all men and machines matter a lot in manufacturing.
