Industry 4.0, or fourth industrial revolution, is here – and those manufacturing companies that are able to catch up, will win against their competition. Also referred to as “The Smart Factory” or “Connected Industry,” Industry 4.0 involves integrated and automated data and process management. In a “smart factory” all the […]

In Magnolia, Texas, a tight-knit workforce delivers in a truly lean fashion. Imagine you get the green light to build a new facility in which to manufacture your products in the most optimal way possible. What would it look like? Where would you place your equipment? Would the manufacturing plant […]

The scope of manufacturing goes beyond the attributes of the product, or simply the cost to produce. Helping hospitals improve safety, quality of care and cost requires a holistic approach to the value chain, including the delivery of product at the right time in the right place–and at the right […]

Lean manufacturing helps makers create lean techniques that can assist in building and maintaining most effectual manufacturing business. Lean manufacturing techniques enable cost cutting while improving on quality and production of items in the right quantity and at the right time. One of the key principles in lean manufacturing is […]

With the right approach to continuous improvement, printing companies can thrive if they’re willing to make the investment. To be successful, a company must recognize that processes are the central part of an operation and must continuously work on improving those processes. To do this, printing companies must shed the […]

How can a lean manager overcome fear and resistance to change, in time to turn around a failing company? Four key steps for effecting organizational change. When lean management is implemented to salvage a flailing organization, the existing team faces numerous challenges. A slight exaggeration here, but one day a […]

Ask the Expert: Lean Leadership’s Larry Fast says manufacturing is on the cusp of a new age. “We’ll all be wise to sign up and help make it happen.” Question: What role do you view big data analytics and AI playing in the future of lean manufacturing? Answer: Wow, this […]

In Europe’s most efficient car production plant, 115 cars are created every hour. Through a mixture of robots, experienced staff and lean manufacturing principles, the process is highly efficient, leading to the high output. Here, Hugh Freer, a director of electric tug specialist MasterMover, explains how suppliers to the automotive […]

Takt is one of lean manufacturing’s most misunderstood concepts. Here Andy Owen, Managing Director of motorised electric tug specialist MasterMover, explains how businesses can use it effectively. The humble drumkit is the cornerstone of modern music and is responsible for keeping pace, giving listeners precisely the song they want. Interestingly, the […]

     Ask the Expert: Lean Leadership: Have a question about lean leadership? Let Larry Fast tackle it for you. Question: Lean or CI experts seem to be the first to get laid off at manufacturers. How can we change this mentality of management? Also, there is a tendency to […]