8 October 2015 – Local firms can now acquire know-how to boost their productivity capabilities via a new programme called Operations MaNagement Innovation – Lean Improvement Towards Excellence (OMNI-LITE).
OMNI-LITE is jointly developed by the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) and the Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech), a research institute under the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR).
Targeted at Professionals, Managers and Executives (PMEs) and senior management personnel, OMNI-LITE is designed for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing and service sectors looking at enhanced business efficiency and effectiveness. Examples of such sectors include food services, logistics, marine, construction and retail.
The programme comprises 10 half-day sessions on OmniMethodology™ concepts developed by SIMTech. The compact programme allows SMEs – which typically find it difficult to send staff for training over extended periods – to develop in-house productivity champions without putting excessive demands on their manpower resources.
The sessions will be conducted by A*STAR SIMTech over one month. Participants who successfully complete OMNI-LITE will receive Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) certifications from WDA. Please refer to Annex A (in the link below) for more details on OMNI-LITE.
Dr Lim Ser Yong, Executive Director of SIMTech, commented: “The SIMTech-developed OmniMethodology™ integrates business strategy, operations management and productivity improvement of a company systematically to assist manufacturing and service companies on their productivity journeys. A successful outcome of years of research in Operations Management in manufacturing, it is widely adopted by companies in various industries. OmniMethodology™ incorporated in OMNI-LITE assists local enterprises to create a culture of ongoing productivity improvements and drive growth towards lean enterprises.”
Mr Ng Cher Pong, Chief Executive of WDA, said: “To support the recently-launched Lean Enterprise Development Scheme (LEDS), WDA and A*STAR have created OMNI-LITE which is targeted at SMEs. Companies can tap on OMNI-LITE to nurture local productivity champions who can formulate and drive productivity improvement initiatives that are aligned to their business plans. This will help companies increase their productivity, become more manpower lean and develop a strong Singaporean core, all of which will help to boost their overall competitiveness.”
OMNI-LITE was announced today at the Manufacturing Productivity Technology Centre (MPTC) Annual Conference. The event was organised to generate awareness of productivity improvements through manpower-lean solutions and technology adoption by SMEs.
MoUs on OMNI Partnership Agreement, R&D Collaborations and Advanced Manufacturing Masterclasses
Four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were also signed at the event:
· MoU on OMNI Partnership Agreement, signed by SIMTech and five other organisations to further enhance OMNI and OMNI-LITE adoption by SMEs
· MoU on R&D Collaborations to develop Manufacturing Control Tower, signed by SIMTech and its industry partners to promote R&D collaborations in areas related to the design and development of the Manufacturing Control Tower (MCT)
· MoU on the rollout of a series of best-in-class masterclasses to develop advanced manufacturing capabilities in support of the MCT, signed by SIMTech and WDA
· MOU with SIMTech on the development of modular and economical solutions in MCT technologies for mass adoption by SMEs, signed by SIMTech and SPRING
Supported by infocomm technologies, the MCT aims to provide companies with visibility and on-the-go smart management capabilities in complex manufacturing environments. It seeks to capture value for Singapore’s manufacturing industry through pushing the frontiers for manufacturing transformation, a trend that has started in advanced economies such as Germany. Please refer to Annexes B and C (please find both Annexes in the link below) for more details of these MoUs.
Inaugural Productivity Partners Recognition Award
To encourage technology adoption for raising productivity and developing lean enterprises, an inaugural Productivity Partners Recognition Award was also introduced at the event. The recipients were chosen based on their efforts in pursuing productivity growth. A total of 30 recipients from the manufacturing and service sectors were presented with the Award. Please refer to Annex D (in the link below) for the list of award recipients.
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For media queries and clarifications, please contact:
Agency for Science, Technology and Research
Lee Jian Hui
Assistant Head, Corporate Communications
Tel: +65 6419 6575 Email: [email protected]
Singapore Workforce Development Agency
Steven Ng
Principal Manager, Corporate and Marketing Communications
Tel: +65 6512 1241 Email: [email protected]
About the A*STAR Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech)
The Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech) is a research institute of the Science and Engineering Research Council (SERC) of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). SIMTech develops high value manufacturing technology and human capital to contribute to the competitiveness of the Singapore industry. It collaborates with multinational and local companies in the precision engineering, electronics, semiconductor, medical technology, aerospace, automotive, marine, logistics and other sectors.
For more information, please visit: www.SIMTech.a-star.edu.sg.
About the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)
The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is Singapore's lead public sector agency that spearheads economic oriented research to advance scientific discovery and develop innovative technology. Through open innovation, we collaborate with our partners in both the public and private sectors to benefit society.
As a Science and Technology Organisation, A*STAR bridges the gap between academia and industry. Our research creates economic growth and jobs for Singapore, and enhances lives by contributing to societal benefits such as improving outcomes in healthcare, urban living, and sustainability.
We play a key role in nurturing and developing a diversity of talent and leaders in our Agency and Research Institutes, the wider research community and industry. A*STAR oversees 18 biomedical sciences and physical sciences and engineering research entities primarily located in Biopolis and Fusionopolis.
For more information, please visit: www.a-star.edu.sg.
About the Singapore Workforce Development Agency
The Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) enhances the competitiveness of our workforce by encouraging workers to learn for life and advance with skills. In today's economy, most jobs require not just knowledge, but also skills. WDA collaborates with employers, industry associations, unions and training organisations, to develop and strengthen the Continuing Education and Training system that is skills-based, open and accessible, as a mainstream pathway for all workers – young and older, from rank and file to professionals and executives – to upgrade and advance in their careers and lives.
For more information, please visit www.wda.gov.sg.
