Operator, Supervisor, Manager – Skills Matter in Manufacturing
General Understanding
Manufacturing performance depends on people, not only machines
Operator, Supervisor, and Manager have different roles
Each role needs different skills and responsibilities
Clear role understanding improves quality, cost, and delivery
Operator – Controls the Process
Works directly on the machine every day
Runs machine strictly as per SOP
Follows work instruction without shortcuts
Uses gauges correctly for measurement
Checks first piece before full production
Maintains discipline during operation
Identifies defects at the earliest stage
Stops machine when abnormality is found
Informs supervisor immediately about issues
Maintains safety rules at all times
Follows 5S to keep workplace clean and organized
Prevents defects instead of passing problems forward
Supervisor – Controls the People
Manages manpower and shift planning
Assigns right operator to right machine
Tracks daily plan versus actual production
Identifies production gaps early
Controls rejection and rework on shop floor
Checks machine setting during problems
Corrects issue before restarting production
Solves shop-floor problems quickly
Guides operators during difficulties
Trains operators to improve skills
Coordinates with quality department
Coordinates with maintenance department
Ensures smooth communication between teams
Manager – Controls the System
Plans production based on demand
Plans capacity and resources
Balances Quality, Cost, and Delivery
Reviews performance using data
Improves process to reduce waste
Focuses on long-term system improvement
Reviews root cause of major problems
Closes system gaps permanently
Prevents recurrence of issues
Develops supervisors and team members
Builds standard processes and discipline
Anticipates risks before they become problems
Key Message
Operator ensures discipline in process
Supervisor ensures control on shop floor
Manager ensures strength of the system
Strong skills at all levels give stable production and customer satisfaction
