Class Spotlight: Productivity and Performance Metrics

In today’s fast-paced and highly competitive laundry and linen industry, success is driven by efficiency, quality, and performance. Whether you manage a healthcare laundry facility or oversee a large-scale industrial operation, staying ahead of the curve requires the right tools and knowledge. Attending the Laundry & Linen College offers a unique opportunity to acquire these skills through the entire curriculum.  This article highlights one of the courses, Productivity and Performance Metrics, which addresses Lean Six Sigma principles, key performance indicators (KPIs), and setting production standards.

Led by Chip Malboeuf, an industry veteran with 28 years of experience, this course delivers essential insights for improving productivity and operational efficiency in the laundry industry. Chip, the vice president of engineering at ImageFIRST Healthcare Laundry Specialists, has an extensive background in process improvement, facility planning, and engineering solutions that make him a trusted leader in the field.

The Power of Lean Six Sigma in Laundry Operations

Lean Six Sigma combines the waste-reduction focus of Lean Manufacturing with the quality control of Six Sigma. This methodology has been embraced worldwide to drive operational excellence, and its application in the laundry industry offers several benefits, including:

• Reduced waste in processes
• Increased production speed
• Enhanced quality control
• Improved customer satisfaction

By mastering Lean Six Sigma, managers can identify inefficiencies, streamline processes, and align operations with customer expectations for timely, accurate, and high-quality service. Malboeuf’s approach is data-driven—managers will learn how to define goals, measure current processes, and analyze root causes to implement improvements.

For a laundry facility, applying these principles might involve redesigning workflows, reorganizing equipment for better accessibility, or adjusting staff roles to enhance production speed and reduce costs. These strategies will ultimately help managers create more efficient operations.

Mastering KPIs for Better Decision-Making

Key performance indicators (KPIs) are essential for measuring and managing a laundry facility's performance. KPIs provide quantifiable data that allow managers to track efficiency over time and make informed decisions based on real data. The Laundry & Linen College teaches how to identify and track the right KPIs for optimal operational performance.

In this course, participants will explore key KPIs, such as:

• Pounds processed per operator hour (PPOH)
• Machine utilization rates
• Labor cost per pound

Tracking these metrics helps managers pinpoint inefficiencies, make adjustments to labor allocation, and determine where investments in equipment or process improvements will be most effective. For instance, understanding your facility's PPOH allows you to optimize staffing, ensuring that you’re not overstaffed or understaffed—both of which can impact profitability.

Setting Production Standards: The Key to Consistency

Production standards define how much work an operator should complete within a given time and are vital for maintaining consistency in output and quality. Without clear production standards, facilities can experience variability in performance, leading to missed deadlines, higher labor costs, and decreased quality.

The course teaches participants how to set production standards based on real-world data and industry benchmarks, ensuring that operations run at peak efficiency. Setting and following production standards helps managers:

• Determine appropriate staffing levels
• Plan accurate production schedules
• Establish fair wages based on performance
• Balance workloads across departments

By implementing production standards, laundry managers create a structured environment where operators understand what is expected, leading to improved productivity and morale.

Why Attend the Laundry & Linen College?

The laundry industry is constantly evolving, and maintaining a competitive edge requires continuous improvement in operations. The Laundry & Linen College equips participants with the knowledge and tools needed to excel in this demanding environment. Key reasons to attend include:

• Learn from industry experts: Chip Malboeuf, for example,  brings nearly three decades of practical knowledge that attendees can immediately apply to their facilities.
• Gain actionable skills: The course focuses on strategies for setting production standards, tracking KPIs, and implementing Lean Six Sigma principles.
• Boost operational efficiency: By mastering these concepts, managers can reduce waste, cut costs, and enhance overall facility performance.
• Improve decision-making: Understanding KPIs and production standards enables managers to make data-driven decisions that positively impact operations.
• Enhance customer satisfaction: Improving the speed and quality of services allows facilities to better meet customer demands, fostering long-term relationships.

Why This Class Is Critical for Your Success

Laundry operations are under constant pressure to deliver more with less. Rising costs, labor shortages, and increasing customer demands mean that managers must find ways to improve efficiency without compromising

Investing in the Laundry & Linen College is more than just an opportunity for professional growth; it is a strategic move to enhance the efficiency, profitability, and customer satisfaction of your laundry operation. By focusing on Lean Six Sigma, KPIs, and production standards, this course equips managers with the tools they need to lead their facilities to success. With Chip Malboeuf’s guidance, you will be well-prepared to drive continuous improvement and achieve new levels of operational excellence.