Wayne Chaneski President
Replacing That Key Employee
Inevitably, it happens to every company. Some key member of the organization leaves for greener pastures, and the company has to scramble to replace that person.
Read MoreCompanies Starting To Think About Lean Manufacturing
It has taken a while, but lean manufacturing principles are being adopted by an increasing number of small- and mid-size manufacturers. These manufacturers may not be using the term "lean," preferring to use terms such as "continuous flow," "cellular," "quantity of one" or just plain "common sense manufacturing," but the approaches and results are basically the same.
Read MoreOK, So I Need To Improve My Operation...Where Do I Start?
Nothing focuses the mind on the need to change like a downturn in business. Such a condition forces companies to change the way they do things.
Read MoreCycle Counting Can Improve Your Inventory Accuracy
Regardless of the type of manufacturing business, there is a need to keep some type of inventory on hand. Job shops may have to keep some finished parts on the shelf or at least some level of raw material in the warehouse.
Read MoreSimplifying Your Physical Inventory Process
Every company is faced with the daunting task of conducting a physical inventory. Although there are many reasons for conducting a physical inventory, the main purpose is to determine what you actually have in stock and adjust your records to reflect this.
Read MoreAre You Keeping Obsolete Inventory?
Many of us are "pack rats," meaning we have difficulty throwing things away, even when we know we'll probably never use them. Unfortunately, companies that do this may be wasting a great deal of money, because there are very real costs associated with carrying inventory.
Read MoreImplementing A Bar Code System
In last month's column, I discussed some of the benefits associated with bar coding. This month, I will review the steps a company needs to take to implement a bar code system.
Read MoreThe Benefits Of Bar Coding
Bar coding is no longer a technology for high-tech organizations, but a user-friendly tool that can help all companies. The cost of scanners and the amount of required software have declined to a point where almost anyone can justify implementation of a bar code system.
Read MoreWhat You Are Saying—Feedback On Competing Ideas
I have been writing the Competing Ideas column for Modern Machine Shop magazine for five years now and have had a lot of fun doing it. Periodically, I receive feedback about a column I have written.
Read MoreCompany Streamlines Operations
Blickman Health Industries (Lodi, New Jersey) is a leading manufacturer of storage, transport and utility equipment used in the health care industry. Most of Blickman’s products are made from stainless steel and undergo typical sheet metal operations such as shearing, punching, bending, welding, polishing and finishing.
Read MoreChoosing The Right Machine Tool
I am frequently asked if there is a simple technique that companies can use to help select the right machine tool. Many find it difficult to obtain unbiased information about machine tools.
Read MoreSometimes The Obvious Is Not So Obvious
In my position at a major university’s industrial assistance program, I have the opportunity to visit many companies and offer advice on how they can improve their operations. I find many companies doing wonderful things, but frequently there are opportunities for major improvements from minor, seemingly obvious changes.
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