DAIR SDI supports Coordinate Industries Ltd. to improve processes via lean principles.
About the Downsview Aerospace Innovation and Research Supplier Development Initiative (DAIR SDI):
The DAIR SDI has proven to be a vital resource in strengthening and growing the competitive edge of southern Ontario’s aerospace supply chain by providing small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) the right environment for transformation. With its simple but highly effective methodology, the SDI supports SMEs in assessing challenges and issues, prioritizing areas of improvement and undertaking action to enhance their maturity, expand their competencies, develop new capabilities and innovate.
The need and interest for such an initiative has been recognized by SMEs who applied in masses to this selective program, which was supported by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).
While receiving financial support and a privileged mentor-mentee relationship through the SDI, an SME gets unprecedented access to a collaborative platform to bank on outside expertise and knowledge from various coaches and subject matter experts. Together with the SME, they work to determine and scope improvement projects to resolve identified gaps, innovate and enhance competitiveness.
Coordinate Industries Ltd. engagement with the DAIR SDI:
For Coordinate Industries Ltd. (Coordinate), its participation in the SDI has been a success, as the company addressed culture challenges to improve overall performance. Austrian-American management consultant, educator and author, Peter Drucker, is famously quoted as saying, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” Coordinate realized through the DAIR SDI assessment workshops that without the engagement of employees, its best plans would not come to fruition.
With the funding received from the DAIR SDI, Coordinate embarked on a Lean Six Sigma training and coaching plan for several employees, from senior management to the shop floor. The team learned the benefits and methodologies of Lean Six Sigma, which targets the elimination of waste and process improvement. Lean Six Sigma uses a collaborative team effort that strengthens the relationship among employees and drives engagement. This led to the creation of its own lean steering committee, with members from all departments and a variety of positions, to continually drive productive changes.
The improvement plan Coordinate has put in place also includes coaching to ensure the practical skills from the Lean Six Sigma training can be applied to future projects. Coordinate is confident that its employees will benefit from the outcome of this project for years to come and positively impact its workforce, leading to sustainability and growth for the company.
“The DAIR SDI has accelerated our transformation. The SDI assessment phase reminded us how fast the industry is moving and the need for quick action to stay on top. The initiative has had a large impact on our company, supporting the creation of a road map to guide us forward and focus on our priorities. This program holds tremendous value – we are back on track. I would highly recommend the SDI to other organizations.”
Sanaa Elayas
EMA Manager, Coordinate Industries