In the ever changing market the biggest challenge is in retaining artisan interest in new training programs and making them understand that learning, innovation and improvement will help them succeed. A well-designed product of good quality spells long term sustainability when compared to stopgap, quick solutions that may tide us over for some time.
While working with various craft groups Leela design studio has understood that a sustainable relationship is possible only if training and capacity building is done periodically. While working in an office space or in the field with artisans, we always focus on providing relevant information / training to the artisans to understand the global marketplace better.
Some of our workshop themes are outlined below:
1. Costing workshop
Understanding basic production costing – break up of a product cost
Mark ups
Cost of raw material – movement of supplies/ stocks
Profitability
2. Sustaining growth
How to understand profits / break even points
Going beyond funding
Becoming independent
3.Business training
End user needs
Understanding and implementing orders
Systems to be implemented
Order taking
Processes
Production
Delivery and time lines
Product to be market friendly(costs/ design)
Sustaining clients
Creating a market
4. Working within the craft sector
Management of semi skilled and skilled labourers
Coping with time lines
Delegating duties
Understand holidays / cultural breaks / family issues
Production processes
Quality checks
Team building – how to work together as a group and why
5.Working for the export market
Developing a range
Taking orders
Master samples
Time lines
Delivery process
Customs/ export processes
Payment terms
6.Design development and documentation
New designs – shapes, sizes, colours
Quality – technology upgrade
Skill up gradation
Documenting new designs
Photo documentation
Specification sheets
Master samples
Tagging / Labeling
7. Brand building
The product story
How to communicate
How build up correct products
Information and transparency