Worker Improvements to Save More Than $300,000 Annually at Hanford

RICHLAND, Wash. – EM Richland Operations Office (RL) contractor Mission Support Alliance's (MSA) continuous improvement program has led to greater work efficiencies and annual cost savings of more than $300,000 for personnel moves.

Through its Operating Excellence program at the Hanford Site, MSA offers workshops to organizations and groups across the site to help them review processes and identify areas of improvement through “lean” thinking with Six Sigma methodologies, used to eliminate waste and reduce inconsistencies. Hanford workers certified as “Black Belt” facilitators have led over 200 workshops, coaching participants on how to review processes, assess needs, and identify improvements.

“This program has continued to grow, making positive impacts across the site,” said Joe Franco, RL deputy manager. “Not only has the Operating Excellence program resulted in cost savings, but we’ve also seen renewed energy and excitement from employees in organizations that were weighed down by unnecessary steps.”

Recently, MSA held a two-day workshop on personnel moves, which involve coordinating with multiple teams to minimize disruption for workers relocating to a different office or facility.

MSA’s real estate services, work management, information management, and maintenance services teams, with the support of senior leadership, reviewed the current relocation coordination process and brainstormed improvements.

The result was the elimination of more than 90 percent of the process steps and a reduction in turnaround time and scheduling by 78 percent. The team developed a plan to implement a new process resulting in annual savings of more than $300,000.

“With an average of 450 move requests each year, this will be a huge impact to our workers and our customers,” said Clark Stolle, director of MSA real estate services.