Tom Beard Former Executive VP
The New Model For Short-Order Manufacturing
Through the combination of innovative process development, cellular manufacturing and quick setup procedures, this shop found a way to mix efficiency and flexibility in small-lot machining.
Read MorePlace Your Bets
A small shopfloor network lays the groundwork for large-scale, low-cost DNC throughout a major manufacturing facility.
Read MoreThe Maturation Of American Quality
Do you remember when everyone was absolutely paranoid about quality? It wasn't so long ago. Employing the philosophy and statistical techniques of Demming, the Japanese had raised the bar on both the definition of what constitutes a good part and on an acceptable conformance rate at which parts are made to that level on a daily basis.
Read MoreIt's Never What You Thought...It's Better
When my wife Sue and I were first married, we knew we wanted to have children. But it seemed such a daunting responsibility.
Read MoreMMS On The Web
Alot of business people seem to think that though the Internet has made a lot of noise, it hasn't made much of an impact. And what's more, that it won't.
Read MoreJust Like The Real Thing
Modular fixturing helps Toro's prototype welded assemblies--and their final manufacturing process--all at once.
Read MoreSome Thoughts About Value
Maybe it's just a coincidence, but it sure seems like a lot of people are starting to redefine what it means to provide customer value. For example, in a speech at the recent joint meeting of AMT, the Association For Manufacturing Technology, and the American Machine Tool Distributors Association, AMT chairman William Saul stressed the critical importance of serving customer needs as they are defined by the customer, not by one's own notion of "value.
Read MoreBuilding 3D Machining Knowledge Into CAM
This supplier has turned the complex 3D machining of custom orthopedic implants into a single "standard" process through the use of knowledge-based machining technology.
Read MoreWorking On The Real Stuff
There was a rustle in a tree at the edge of the yard. Knowing it had something to do with my seven-year-old son, I said, "Whatcha doing in there Michael.
Read MoreA Model Of Cooperation
A few years back I had the opportunity to visit a number of Japanese job shops, all of which were doing medium volume production work. While there were many differences from shop to shop, what most struck me about them as a group was how hugely focused they all seemed to be on constantly improving efficiency on their shop floors.
Read MoreThe Need To Succeed
In this space last month I tried to make a point about the obligation companies have to preserve the jobs of their workers, comparing the prevailing American perspective to that of Japan and Germany.
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