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USER
GROUPS
User Groups are inter-firm learning groups focusing on implementation of Best Practices. Facilitated by experts
with industry experience, user groups are designed for small manufacturers and consist of 5-10 companies committed to an extended
process of shared learning on a specific, focused topic. Companies learn from peers, one-on-one assistance, tours, shared
tools and techniques, and lecture. Most groups meet every four to six weeks for a predetermined number of sessions.
Contact us today to find out when the next group is starting up in your area!!!
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT USER GROUPS
Q: What
is an User Group?
A: User Groups are an inter-firm learning groups focusing on implementation of Best Practices.
Facilitated by experts with industry experience, action groups are designed for small manufacturers and consist of 5-10 companies
committed to an extended process of shared learning on a specific, focused topic. Companies learn from peers, one-on-one assistance,
tours, shared tools and techniques, and lecture. Most groups meet every four to six weeks for a predetermined number of sessions.
Q: How
long do User Groups last?
A: User groups typically run for a minimum of one year, however, some groups have stayed
together for over ten years because of the value.
Q: How is confidentiality handled?
A: Due to the
unique nature of the user group learning format confidentiality can be a concern. To address this concern participating companies
commit to some basis rule: 1) User Group members approve all participants for the group, & 2) No taking of work or people
from participating companies. Additionally, confidentiality agreements can be signed by all participants.
Q: Where
and when do the User Groups meet?
A: Members commit to meeting on a regular basis to ensure continual progress
and improvement. The regular meeting schedule provides the opportunity for follow-up and guidance. User Groups typically meet
once every 4-6 weeks at a participating members facility.
Q: How Do User Groups Operate?
A: User
groups represent a proven, disciplined approach to implementing new technologies and work practices in manufacturing environments.
Participation involves regular sessions, assigned homework to be done off-site, group review of assignments, facilitator visits,
and continuous support throughout the program. Most companies have reservations when entering into an user group for the
first time, since it represents an entirely new way of learning and applying knowledge. For virtually all companies, these
objections soon fade away as the user group gets started and participants begin to realize real progress in implementation.
Q: Are
User Groups Successful?
A: The user group method of shared learning has been used for several years. The first
groups were Continuous Improvement Groups and consisted of groups of 6-10 companies who met every six weeks. During these
sessions, members concentrated on a specific area of continuous improvement, looking for best practices, sharing ideas and
experiences, and tracking progress. The methodology has since been adapted to include user groups based on such topics as:
Sorting & Scrap Reduction, Six-Sigma Kill Teams, Value Stream Mapping, Supervisor Training, Plant Management, and Lean Enterprise.
Q: Will
the User Group Format Work for My Unique Company?
A: This is a very common concern among companies unfamiliar with
the user group experience. The user group format recognizes that companies are unique, but have common processes that can
be discussed, reviewed, and improved upon. These common processes are the focus of much of the group’s discussion time.
Additional time is devoted to one-on-one work with the facilitator at each company to discuss the implications of unique cultures,
processes, and management styles.
Q: What are the costs to participate?
A: Typical costs for participants
are $1500 to $2500 per participating company per year. These cost vary depending on the structure, scope and work
plan for the group.
Q: What types of companies participate in User Groups?
A: User groups
are typically made up of manufacturing companies that range in size from 25-250 employees, but may be as large as 5000 employees.
The companies are generally from the same regional area to facilitate meetings and keep the costs low for participants. Different
industries and types of manufacturers can be represented in an User Group. A group can also be set up for a specific industry
or market segment, depending on need. Direct competitors are discouraged from participating in the same group.
Q: What
is the value of an User Group?
A: Manufactures continually face pressures to reduce costs, improve quality and
delivery. Joining a User Group allows a company to accelerate their improvement effort by direct learning from an industry
expert, and shared learning from a peer group of practitioners.
Companies learn from each other and avoid costly mistakes.
The format also provides the follow-up to keep the improvement effort on track. With the training User Group, the regular
follow-up provides the opportunity for competency check. Something that one or two day training sessions do not provide.
Q: What
is my role as a participant?
A: All User Group members are expected to attend group meetings and participate actively
by sharing information freely with other group members. Members are also expected to host meetings at their facility periodically.
Q: What
are the benefits for my company?
A: Each participating companies will have the opportunity to learn from an industry
expert the tools for improvement. They will also learn from other companies dealing with similar implementation issues. The
motivation, follow-up and results are unsurpassed by conventional consulting techniques. Peer networks become established
that can save you headaches for years to come.
Contact us today to find out when the next group is starting up
in your area!!!
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