This column will introduce a lead-time metric that has seen 20 years of successful application in industry and fits-to-a-T what is needed for Next Generation Lean. This inclusion of suppliers and ...

In my last article, and the first in our series on metrics, I made three key points: Embrace the notion that most factories are cost centers. Create the mindset of CI/lean, i.e., there is always a ...

Lean manufacturing has long been celebrated for its systematic approach to reducing waste and enhancing efficiency in production environments. In the contemporary industrial landscape, changeover ...

Metrics are measurable variables that can be tracked over time in order to identify errors or gauge progress. In lean facilities, metrics are tools manufacturers use to identify non-value added ...

Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma principals are used to improve processes and create efficiencies in the overall manufacturing process. Lean manufacturing is used to minimize waste, while saving costs ...

More than likely you’ve heard the term kaizen or kaizen blitz, but what is kaizen? Kaizen is a Japanese term meaning change for the better or incremental improvement. Continuous improvement can take ...

Performance metrics for manufacturing operations can be extremely frustrating. You invest money, time and effort to gain control and insight into your operations. You know what’s working. You’re ...

The terms lean manufacturing and "just in time," or JIT, are often used as if they're the same thing, but they aren't identical concepts. Just-in-time manufacturing is focused on efficiency, while ...

There are a number of articles and books written on lean manufacturing techniques and lean construction, including many in the pages of Snips about applying lean in sheet metal shops. This article ...

When looking at organizational costs, it is indisputable that operational metrics are leading indicators of cost performance. Indisputable, perhaps, but not widely known and infrequently used to ...

Connecting roles, responsibilities Part of daily operation Get involved Standardize calculations Internal training programs EQMS, MOM, and IEM Better analytics, business intelligence If it takes a ...