SMAS workshops at MICM (Manufacturing Innovation Centre Moray)

A series of workshop helping businesses improve productivity and performance at the Manufacturing Innovation Centre Moray (MICM), Forres

Venue: Manufacturing Innovation Centre Moray (MICM), Enterprise Park Forres, Forres, Moray, IV36 2AU.

Dates: October, November and December

The Manufacturing Improvement Essentials series has been designed to help businesses build improvement capability, reduce waste and introduce practical tools that can deliver lasting operational benefits.

These free workshops form part of the wider SMAS improvement pathway, supporting organisations that are:

• Identifying improvement opportunities
• Building internal capability
• Delivering improvement projects
• Preparing for investment
• Strengthening supply chains
• Improving productivity and resilience

While the workshops are rooted in manufacturing improvement principles, the content is relevant to any organisation seeking to improve efficiency, solve operational challenges and strengthen business performance.

Delegates will gain hands-on experience of proven ‘lean’ techniques that can be applied within their own workplace.

Why attend?

Many organisations face common challenges, including:

• Improvement initiatives losing momentum
• Recurring operational problems
• Stock shortages impacting performance
• Equipment downtime and inefficiency
• Inconsistent working practices
• Difficulty identifying where productivity is being lost

This workshop series aims to provide practical solutions and a clear framework for continuous improvement.

Mapping your process: 6 October 2026, 08:30-10:00

Understanding how work flows through a business is often the first step towards improving it. Topics include:

• Process mapping fundamentals
• Understanding workflow and process flow
• Identifying bottlenecks
• Analysing delays and handovers
• Finding opportunities for improvement

Outcome: A clearer picture of operational processes and practical actions to improve efficiency and productivity.

Where are my tools?: 3 November 2026, 08:30-10:00

This workshop focuses on workplace organisation through the internationally recognised 5S methodology: sort, set in order, shine, standardise and sustain. Participants will learn how better workplace organisation can improve efficiency, consistency and quality.

Outcome: Practical approaches to creating an organised workplace where people can work more effectively and sustain improvements over time.

Keeping stock moving: 8 December 2026, 08:30-10:00

Poor stock visibility and material shortages can disrupt operations and reduce productivity. This workshop covers:

• Inventory management
• Kanban principles
• Two-bin systems
• Visual stock control
• Preventing stock-outs

Outcome: More reliable operations, improved material availability and fewer costly disruptions.

Register