The best way to reduce machining lead time is to establish a “flow” from one process to another, using cells to link, synchronize, and eliminate excessive material handling, excess inventory, and ...

“We are different. Every job is unique.” “We cannot expect teamwork from skilled trades. Their work is too specialized.” “We must keep our people busy at all times. That’s why inventory is so ...

Lean manufacturing and green manufacturing are not always considered at the same time as companies plan their factory improvement initiatives. Often, in “going green,” a company will aim for a certain ...

Many mechanical contractors are moving more work to the shop because it makes sense. It is safer, delivers better quality, and is an answer to address the shortage of skilled field craftsman. As cited ...

Compiled By Eric Merfalen The lean/flow manufacturing process is one step closer to overall production efficiency, says J.D. Edwards & Co. Specific enhancements to its manufacturing solutions support ...

Lean manufacturing is a production system that eliminates waste through all steps in the process to build a product. Companies using lean systems work to reduce costs, inventory and cycle time -- the ...

Today’s productivity improvement goals, and the significant disparity in wages between U.S. manufacturing and lower-cost countries, require shops to use as much of a machine operator’s idle time as is ...

Lean manufacturing is a production theory that emphasizes the elimination of waste in all forms. Resource expenditures that do not contribute to the value of a product are wasteful in a lean ...

If you haven’t started applying lean construction techniques to your sheet metal shop, it’s not too late to start and get ahead of your competition. A few years ago, many ductwork fabrication shop ...

In the context of increasing global industrial competition and intensifying customer demands, there has been considerable pressure on U.S. small- and medium-sized (SME) manufacturers in recent years ...