In last month's column, I described the common wastes of excessive inventory, overprocessing and motion. This month, I will describe other wastes that need to be addressed to improve the effectiveness of a manufacturing operation.
Over the years, I have found visual signals to be an effective means of communicating in a plant environment. Unfortunately, many companies complicate communication with detailed instructions that consist mostly of written words.
I have been working with many companies of late, helping them improve their operations by employing "lean manufacturing" principles. In working with these companies, I have found simple simulation exercises to be most valuable in illustrating concepts and conveying an understanding of how those concepts can work in any organization.
Organization is one of the keys to an effective workplace. It seems like such a simple thing, but the fact is that when we take the time to organize our workplace, we become more efficient.
In recent columns, I have discussed starting a manufacturing business and have related some stories of companies that have successfully met the challenge. Even with all the efforts needed to get the business started, it does not take a company long to realize that to be successful, it must find and ultimately satisfy customers.
This is the final column in my series of interviews with successful machine shop owners. This month’s column features Roger Sustar, president of Fredon Corporation in Mentor, Ohio.
This month, Randy Jezowski talks about how he started and grew his company, Ramco Machine, Inc. Ramco has experienced outstanding growth since its inception.
In last month's column I described some basic steps to follow when starting a new manufacturing business. First, you need to understand the risks associated with starting any new business.
I receive numerous e-mails from individuals interested in starting their own machine shops. A frequent question is, "How do I begin?" For the benefit of anyone interested in starting such a business, I offer some ideas to consider.