2ND OBSERVATIONS

Workshop location and layout

When Honda set up shop, it was obvious that they thought of all the above before they initiated proceedings. They researched the area, walked through and selected the site based on requirements, and later drafted up a layout of the workplace so that if anything is needed to be changed they could do so without any hesitation on the paper.

The chosen location for East Auckland Honda is located just off the main road Te Rakau Drive at 32 Torrens Rd, East Tamaki. It is very close to the main road but yet there are no traffic delays in front of the workshop which makes it very easy to enter and exit. There are no problems for parking as the workshop has designated an ample space for parking on the premises, but also vehicles can be parked on the road if required.

The Honda building design falls under a good shape compared to the poor shape and locations above. It is situated on a straight road, the building is square, and the actual building is positioned at the centre of the premises to allow for parking around the building.

The building is visible from a far distance due to the modern building design, and large Honda logo placed at the roof. Site entrance is good as there are no traffic delays on the road in front of the building. Heavy duty or light vehicles may enter the building site easily and exit at the same time without any problems as it has a wide driveways.

The workshop is large in size and features a mechanical as well as panel and paint shop setup inside. Inside, the layout is well organised with three allocated areas set up to house three sections of the company. A view from the front of the building shows the mechanical and panel and paint have been separated, with the mechanical section positioned to the left of the office and the paint shop is on the right hand. This has been done purposely to help keep equipment in order, and to ensure employee safety.

The office area houses desks for the manager, customer service representatives and is also the first point of contact with customers. The mechanical shop has six hoists, one wheel alignment machine, and an array of specialist tools and tool boxes. On the opposite side, the panel shop holds a store room where all mechanical and body parts are stored, four separate ovens which have built in paint booths, a two vehicle preparation bay for priming, a paint mixing room, and open area for technicians to work on repairs. Specialist equipment such as spot welders and car-o-liner equipment have been designated one area for storage.

Workforce

Like in any workforce, there are key roles in place to help an organization function correctly, and the success of the business is largely dependent on the efforts of these individuals. In turn, the company will tend to succeed and reap the rewards if employees are also happy and successful; vice-versa. 

Roles of Honda Employee’s:

Branch Manager

Brian Taylor is the head of the workshop and for that matter has direct responsibility of the entire workshop. He supervises all his subordinates like the customer service representative, store person, foreman, auto electricians, technicians, and apprentice(s) or trainees. At Honda, there is one branch manager who over-looks the daily workings of the workshop.

Accounts Manager

Is responsible for the determination of the profit and loss account for each department on the chart as well as obtaining funds for the organization and also guides the organization to use the financial resources wisely. He is stationed in the office beside the branch manager.

Foreperson / Floor Supervisor

Tends to the road-testing of vehicles, supervises technicians, technicians and the trainees as they work on the vehicles. He is also responsible for job allocation.

Store Person

This person is responsible for parts distribution, inventory, stock taking, and the smooth operation of the store facilities within the workshop. He also ensures that there is easy access to the items in the store and processes orders.

Receptionist / Customer Service Representative / Service Adviser 

This person is responsible for welcoming and discussing customer’s needs, which may include opening a job card or following up on the completion of work that has been carried out by a technician.

Mechanics / Technicians

These are individuals who have gone through apprenticeship training with some theoretical qualification and are expected to be competent in executing all repair work on the vehicle with supervision from the foreperson.

Apprentices

The trainee mechanic will work under the supervision of a senior technician.  After work has been delegated to the trainee mechanic, he/she will be working closely with a technician.

Auto Electrician

These are individuals who have gone through apprenticeship training in the automobile electrical system with some theoretical qualification and also acquired skilled techniques on how to deal with faulty auto electrical systems and the maintenance of electrical components, battery, charging system, etc.

Working Conditions

On a normal working day, Honda employee’s work 8 hours  in a day, and 5 days a week, with the occasional overtime when needed; which is coordinated by the manager. All are entitled to a half hour lunch from 12pm to 12.30pm, and two 10 minute breaks in between. All work is carried out responsibly and everyone is treated equally.

Hondas Wage Policy

Honda has a similar wage policy to any other large business out there and is similar to the information above. Because of this policy each employ is very happy due to having equal rights and fair pay rate distribution to every employee, though it can vary as an employee gains further experience. Hondas payroll methods are simple, whereby every employee is paid regularly at the same time every fortnight.

Though there are no commissions in this line of work, we are told that the pay rate is sufficient enough to finance the cost of living for employee’s family.