Human beings are naturally predisposed to resist change because of the risks it entails. Maybe the change will fail. Maybe it will reduce business or personal income. And maybe it will result in a loss of job security. We'd rather the devil we know, than the devil we don't. But process improvement is often an exciting step forward that makes an … [Read more...]
What is a Value Stream?
The definition of genius is taking the complex and making it simple. - Albert Einstein I have good news for you. If you are in the manufacturing business, you can become a genius today, right now. The shop floor can be a complex maze of raw materials moving in interlocking production lines, stations with varying cycle times, supply needs, and manpower … [Read more...]
How Does Just-In-Time Manufacturing Work?
Many people have heard of Just-in-time manufacturing. But how does it really work, and how can you use it to improve your operations? Most importantly, what are the risks when there is a hiccup in the supply of parts? Just-in-time manufacturing originated in post-war Japan, where there were neither raw materials nor space to build large factories, hence … [Read more...]
The 5 Principles of Lean Manufacturing
Lean manufacturing transformed the manufacturing world during the 2000's. Invented in Japan, where there are neither natural resources nor excess space for production, manufacturing needed to be lean, mean, and efficient to provide value. In turn, the success of japanese manufacturing resulted in an explosion of interest from around the world. The Toyota … [Read more...]