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Process Flow Chart: A Tool For Streamlining Operation
A Process Flow Chart is a pictorial representation of a process, using a variety of symbols connected by lines and arrows. A Process Flow Chart provides a clear picture of each stage of a process, the interrelationship between stages of the process, and the direction of the process flow.
Read MoreTaking Steps To Improve Your Processes
Most of us recognize there is room for improvement in the way we do things. We would like to introduce these improvements, but unfortunately, with the daily pressures of meeting deadlines and doing whatever it takes to satisfy our customers, we just do not have the time.
Read MoreStreamlining Your Manufacturing Process
As I have stated in past columns, today's customers are more demanding than ever, wanting the best product at the best price and in the shortest time. In order for any manufacturer to satisfy today's demanding customers, that manufacturer must have a streamlined manufacturing process.
Read MoreOrganizational Skills Cut Machine Setup Time
Many shops have embraced CNC technology and do a good job keeping their machines running by minimizing setup or changeover time. On the other hand, many companies have not mastered the art of rapid setup and suffer from too much machine downtime.
Read MoreBetter, Faster, Cheaper
"Better, Faster, Cheaper" summarizes the needs of today's customers. Customers simply want products that perform better than they used to, are delivered faster than ever, and cost less to purchase.
Read MoreThe Realities Of Customer Relationships
If you are a regular reader of Competing Ideas, you know that I stress the importance of building relationships with customers. Sometimes the process of building these relationships can be frustrating, but take heart, there are ways to cope with these realities.
Read MoreRickman Tool Focuses On A Niche Market
Rickman Tool, Inc. (Culver, Indiana) is a job shop specializing in CNC machining.
Read MoreGetting The Most From Your Quotations
Many small manufacturers complain that they spend a lot of time quoting jobs that never turn into orders. There is no doubt that quoting takes time and many customers still insist on getting written quotations before awarding jobs.
Read MoreSupplier 2000
What will be the characteristics of the ideal supplier in the year 2000? I first thought about this a few years ago when I began writing this column. Interestingly enough, my vision of this ideal supplier has not changed.
Read MoreEDM Technology From A User's Perspective
EDM (electrical discharge machining) is rapidly gaining popularity as more applications fit the "EDM umbrella. " With this in mind, I recently spoke to Tom Peltz, general manager of Advanced Precision, Inc.
Read MoreIf It Ain't Broke...Fix It Anyway
"If it ain't broke, don't fix it. " Unfortunately, this cliche may not work in today's highly competitive environment.
Read MoreSelf-Managed Work Teams Don't Just Happen
Companies have realized a lot of benefits from implementing manufacturing cells. These manufacturing cells are staffed with personnel who possess sufficient authority and responsibility to complete their tasks with minimal supervision.
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