Those people who are manufacturing consultants are there to assist companies in improving the quality of their products and the effectivity of the underlying processes which are utilised to manufacture them.
Those wishing to become a manufacturing consultant, must have both a mixture of specific education and experience. Any hopeful consultant can opt to start an independent firm, make a partnership with other fellow consultants or maybe enlist with a team on a large commercial company.
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Qualifications
- Those wishing to become a manufacturing consultant, should have (or obtain) a specialised education in engineering or something very much similar.
- College degrees at the level of master are those that are usually preferred.
- A number of consultants will also have degrees in systems or industrial engineering.
Experience is of the Essence
- Having experience in this industry is very important should you want to go on to become a manufacturing consultant.
- More than a few consultants have years of experience in plant management, programming supervision, production quality and engineering administration.
- Specialised industry experience in certain areas, like vehicle manufacturing and automotive management services.
- In addition, any experience in manufacturing process design, improvement and development is also highly favoured.
New Ideas in Manufacturing
- Due to consultants having to inspect processes and then make expert recommendations for improvements, it is important to have previous experience with the creation of new ideas for manufacturing processes.
- The exercise of such ideas are more noticeable when they bear the existence of significant reference point that resulted in outstanding improvements.
And For Those without Any Experience
- For anyone who wishes to become a manufacturing consultant minus any experience, the procurement of an entry-level position with a large commercial company is a good move.
- A number of the larger firms will take on, train and develop some new graduates.
- More than likely you will be paired up together with an experienced consultant and will be their assistant in learning the trade.
Going it alone or in a Partnership
- Starting up your own individual consulting service or creating a partnership are two other methods of becoming a consultant.
- Such options will work best for those who have some few years of manufacturing expertise in their pocket already.
- These are good opportunities for anyone who is up and ready to work for themselves.
- A partnership can offer particular benefits over a sole ownership should anyone believe that their skills may be lacking in a specific area.
- Joining together with other consultants, can make up for a lack of know-how regarding quality management procedures.
- In other ways, a partnership can spell less chance of financial risk as both partners help in the promotion of the other’s work ability and shares in the managerial duties.
Going it alone
- Independent consulting services are the most at risk, but also can attain the highest possible reward.
- At first, you would have to discount your services so as to become established in your company’s name.
Manufacturing Consultancy is not for everyone, but for those who become one, they seldom look back!