DLA - Defense Logistics Agency
09/23/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/23/2024 11:40
CPI supervisor workshop pilot develops leaders, improves processes
NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa. -
The Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Continuous Process Improvement team recently developed and deployed an interactive workshop for leaders across DLA Distribution sites.
CPI supervisor workshop pilot develops leaders, improves processes
"The hands-on, three-day event delivers information and activities in change management, process improvement methodologies and process capability to provide DLA Distribution leaders and managers with the tools and skill to understand their operational capability, improve operations and productivity, reduce waste and drive excellence," said Sherry Amrhein, program manager, Continuous Process Improvement, DLA Distribution.
Ray Martin, deputy commander, Defense Logistics Agency, Distribution, Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania speaks to DLA Distribution, Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania, supervisors during an iteration of the Continuous Process Improvement supervisor workshop held Aug. 20 - 22 at DLA Distribution, Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania. Courtesy photo
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The CPI team pioneered the workshop at DLA Distribution, Albany, Georgia, in May 2024, and conducted a secondary pilot at DLA Distribution, Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania, Aug. 20-22.
Each workshop began with an operational overview of each site. The workshop is broken into six modules designed to build upon each other and teach key concepts and skills to leaders and managers. Although the structure of the workshop remains consistent, the CPI team is integrating evaluations, feedback and observations from each iteration to improve future workshops.
CPI supervisor workshop pilot develops leaders, improves processes
"We got great feedback from our initial pilot at DLA Distribution, Albany," Amrhein said. "The most consistent comments identified a potential opportunity to develop a more advanced class to delve deeper into topics relating to data-driven management."
Defense Logistics Agency Distribution, Albany, Georgia, Continuous Process Improvement supervisor workshop participants gather for a group photo during the workshop held May 14 -16 at DLA Distribution, Albany, Georgia. Pictured are Shiloh Almendarez, distribution process worker supervisor; Nicholas Myers, distribution process worker; William Harrington, deputy to the commander, Rebecca Showers, supervisor; Sebrina Curry, supply clerk; Ben Morris, distribution process worker; Tina Henderson, distribution process worker; Henry Williams, distribution process worker supervisor; and Valerie Moore, distribution process worker, all of DLA Distribution, Albany, Georgia. Courtesy photo
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Leaders and managers at DLA Distribution, Albany, Georgia, and DLA Distribution, Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania, said they recognized the impacts that process improvement, proper space utilization and organization have on their employees and their ability to accomplish their unique distribution missions.
"We must continue to look at our processes and find ways to improve. There are things we can control in the process and those are the ones that we need to fix," said Army Lt. Col. Allen Luna, commander, DLA Distribution, Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania. "Improving processes to create efficiencies benefits the employees, saves time and money, but ultimately gets material to the warfighter all the time and on time."
CPI supervisor workshop pilot develops leaders, improves processes
The supervisor workshop is one approach to support DLA Distribution leadership's intent to integrate process improvement into daily operations, increase collaboration among leaders and team members to solve problems and increase the problem-solving culture within DLA Distribution.
Jeff Arnold, distribution facilities specialist, wholesale operations, Defense Logistics Agency, Distribution, Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania outlines plan improvement recommendations to DLA Distribution, Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania, supervisors during an iteration of the Continuous Process Improvement supervisor workshop held Aug. 20 - 22 at DLA Distribution, Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania. Courtesy photo
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"Here at DLA Distribution, we recognize the necessity to think and act differently to get after the challenges we face today and in the future," said Air Force Col. Paul Arkwell, director, Office of Strategic Programs, DLA Distribution. "The CPI supervisor workshop is just one of our many efforts to get after this by providing frontline supervisors in our distribution centers the tools and techniques they need to improve organizational performance."
The third iteration of the workshop is planned for early 2025 at a large distribution site. The CPI team is currently working to update the workshop structure to accommodate for additional content discussions and planning post workshop activities.