Standardization of Production in the Cosmetic Industry

The term “standard” is often used in our daily lives with a generally positive connotation. We say: high standards, according to the standard, or in compliance with a certain standard. By definition, “standard” means conforming to specific norms and meeting certain requirements. On a macroeconomic scale, the European Commission describes standardization, or normalization, as a voluntary process based on consensus among various economic entities. This standardization has significantly contributed to concluding the creation of the internal market in the context of new approach legislation, referring to European standards developed by institutions specially appointed for this purpose.

In the context of a manufacturing enterprise, standardization concerns the most efficient way to execute a given process, taking into account time, costs, and quality. Since adopted norms and standards form the basis for all improvement activities, it means that without standards, there is no reference point for planned improvements or data to estimate the actual efficiency of processes in the enterprise.

Work standardization involves documenting an agreed-upon (approved) best way of performing a given task. It defines the desired sequence of activities and other parameters that guarantee the consistent execution of the task. Standards are the easiest and safest processes for employees, which are most cost-effective and productive, allowing the company to provide the best quality for the customer. Working according to established standards results in fewer errors by the staff, leading to significantly better results, directly translating into their sense of job security and satisfaction with the achieved outcomes. Work standardization reduces stress and anxiety levels among employees by providing clear answers on how to proceed.

In the cosmetic industry, where project implementation is a multi-stage process, adopting standardization as a method of improvement is inevitable.

Objectives of Work Standardization

The objectives of work standardization include both standardizing workstations (different ways of performing tasks, time of task execution) and introducing qualitative standardization. Within workstation standardization, goals such as:

• Elimination of unnecessary tasks in work,

• Increased efficiency of workstations,

• Reference point for the daily production level,

• Improvement of the quality of processed elements,

• Basis for self-control at work,

• Process stability – repeatable activities, established sequence of actions,

• Training for employees – starting point is standard work documents,

• Identifying and solving problems during the verification of the assumed course of the process with the current state,

• Measurement criterion – adopted standards allow employers to assess work performance fairly and objectively,

• Simplification of procedures – easy-to-follow schemes that save time,

• Most efficient, safe, and cost-effective job execution, also considering available time,

• Process simplicity – visualization-based standardization (pictures, drawings, photos),

• Prevention of errors and minimization of variability – ensures that the same mistakes will not be repeated,

• Improvement of material flow and organization of the workstation,

• Preservation of knowledge in the organization – gathered in the form of documents and recorded in them standards.

For a standard to be effective, it must be clear and readable.

Standards do not exempt employees from the obligation to think and observe. However, they should ensure that employees perform their work better, faster, and safer by reducing unnecessary tasks. Therefore, it is essential that when an employee sees a developed standardization sheet, they immediately understand the included work method.

Firstly, Process Analysis

Process analysis is the preparation for creating a work standard. It involves a thorough observation of the selected process and operations performed by the employee. Observing the current situation should be associated with the most accurate assessment of reality, measuring times, and noting problems. The changing reality within the process will always hinder the analysis; for example, if one of the components for cosmetic production is delayed in delivery, then unconventional action is required, deviating from the previously established path of actions, and proceeding in a new way to successfully complete the project.

The elements of the process should be ordered as precisely as possible by establishing the sequence of tasks and dividing them into auxiliary and basic ones. Only when we assess the process as stable can we move on to standardization.

Consequences of the Lack of Standardization

1. Employees have different efficiencies,

2. Each employee performs operations differently,

3. Training new employees takes a long time,

4. New employees do not reach the level of experienced employees,

5. Lack of information regarding deviations from the standard,

6. No reference point for improvements,

7. No assessment of the achieved indicators,

8. Communication problems,

9. Uniqueness and randomness,

10. Unknown expectations of the effect,

11. Unknown method to achieve the goal, “how to do it?”

Benefits of Standardization

1. Facilitated training for new employees,

2. Improved process stability,

3. Increased repeatability,

4. Increased process efficiency,

5. Improvement in quality.

Summary

Standardization optimizes the organization of work processes and work quality. The image of work standardization in every organization looks very similar, incorporating standards present in the market, regulated by the ISO system, and internal regulations.

When choosing a contract cosmetic manufacturer, make sure they have standardized processes. Collaboration with such a company will be more effective, and the quality of products will be repeatable.