Pros
Although there are many improvements that can be made within Covidien as a whole, the people are the best. They are fair and just when needed, and pleasant to be with when it allows. Everyone from the Plant Manager, down the position ladder to the production labor, are more than well focused on the job at hand. They strive to do the best they possibly can to produce the best product, the most efficient way within the parameters allowed. Unfortunately their hands are semi-tied due to the restrictions imposed by the Sr. Management not allowing the changes they want instituted, adjusted to the facility at hand as necessary to make the methodologies truly work.
Cons
Improper use of the methodologies being used / implemented. Increased production (which is a good thing ) BUT without the proper amount of staffing causing a higher risk at compromised product., that's bad. An over focus on cost savings versus quality. Sr. Management blaming facilities for problems that they, themselves created due to the use of certain production methodologies, that may work for cell phones and automobiles, but not the medical device facilities without major changes to make them work for our line of business. Inefficiency of ordering supplies and raw materials causing excess spending and costly process downtime caused by "cost savings" (yea right). It all boils down to "just-in-time manufacturing" wasn't intended to be used in a medical production facility without major changes to the theory of such methodologies. Sr, management also seems to be using the methodologies to save money in the name of the investors, or is it because the operating capital has been used to much for other items / management personnel?