The Supervisor’s job has grown over the years. It used to be mostly about meeting the production schedule and making sure all the machines are running. Now they also need to work on scheduling issues, attend multiple meetings, support Lean and Continuous Improvement...
One reason that automation has yet to be widely embraced by many small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) is project failure or the perceived risk of automating. If an investment fails to produce results, who can blame owners and executives for shying away from...
The Problem Sales and operations have crossed swords since the dawn of manufacturing. Lately, however, I’ve noticed a consistent theme: With unexpectedly strong sales, the manufacturing group has fallen behind, which has led to long lead times and missed deliveries....
In December’s newsletter, the topic of practical supply chain automation presented the concept of gravity flow racking to automate the movement and transfer of stored materials. Another practical and affordable method of material transfer small manufacturers can...
Lean and Continuous Improvement initiatives often have a predictable and disappointing start. Tools are implemented like Gemba walks, tier boards, and 5S, and there appears to be positive change, but 12 months later the changes are not reading out in meaningful ways....
One of the best things about the time I spent in my early career, working at a mid-sized manufacturing plant, was how simple it was to get things done. Once plant leadership and the operators were on board with a plan, the only thing holding me back was having enough...
Many manufacturers are starting to turn to automation to address increasing competition and a lack of skilled production workers. COVID and retiring Baby Boomers have exacerbated the labor shortage and made a more urgent issue. Most manufacturers do not have an...
All too often when we realize our Supervisors need more skills, we sign them up for a training program and wipe our hands, thinking the job is done. The Supervisors probably do need to learn new skills, but there is so much more that needs to happen for the...
When you think about supply chain automation what often comes to mind are mega-corporations with expensive and complex robotics running people-less factories and warehouses with endless arrays of software and robots moving materials and churning out products. How can...
By Rodd Joos What is your reaction when your customer requests a quote for prototype parts? Traditionally, manufacturers consider making prototypes a cost of doing business. Customers expect you to support prototype quantities, but let’s face it, they are a nuisance....