The Challenges of Constant Change
Plant and engineering managers regularly face a barrage of change requests to their plant or factory. These might be based on changes in the method of production, the product line, or regulations; or the introduction of new machinery or technology. Projects are proposed to ensure regulatory compliance, improve safety, reduce costs, sustainably manage resources, increase quality, shorten production cycles, or increase flexibility. Whether a management directive or an engineering initiative, any change needs to be evaluated and estimated before it can be rejected or accepted as a realistic project which can be funded and delivered.