Operations Articles
Aligning Sales & Operations with a 1-Page Plan

Aligning Sales & Operations with a 1-Page Plan

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....

Customer Focused Improvement –  Where to Start

Customer Focused Improvement – Where to Start

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....

Developing a Winning Automation Strategy

Developing a Winning Automation Strategy

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...

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