Glossary Term: Cross-training

Cross-training refers to the process of training employees in several skills and positions allowing them to work adequately in multiple areas of the organization. In manufacturing, cross-training is a value-added way of training employees to perform multiple or all tasks needed in production. Cross-training is required for cellular manufacturing to be effective, as cells need workers to be autonomous to maintain efficiency.

Cross-training promotes efficiency as no one person is responsible or knowledgeable of a task, meaning when a production error occurs many or all employees may be capable of handling and fixing the error without having to halt production.

In manufacturing, cross-training is also beneficial in strategic succession-planning, where employees are set to learn new skills to fill roles in plant leadership or management as they become skilled in all areas of production.

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