Logistics Network Optimization: A Practical Playbook for Multi-Site Industrial Operations
A few years ago I sat in a conference room with the operations leadership of a building products manufacturer that had never…
Engineering Feasibility Study: The Costly Mistakes It Catches Before Construction Starts
The most expensive sentence I hear from owners who want to skip an engineering feasibility study is “We already know it will…
Manufacturing Workforce Training: What Actually Closes the Skills Gap on the Plant Floor
A few years ago, while reviewing manufacturing workforce training at a metal stamping plant, I stood on the floor watching a new…
Inventory Management for Manufacturers: Balancing Stockouts and Carrying Costs
The worst week of my career in inventory management for manufacturers started with a $14 part. It was a small sealed bearing…
How a Rigorous Supplier Qualification Process
The first supplier I ever had to disqualify made beautiful parts, and that supplier taught me more about the supplier qualification process…
What Happens During a Structural Engineering Inspection
A few years ago a plant manager called me on a Friday afternoon to book a structural engineering inspection. One of his…
Engineering Change Management: Controlling Scope Without Stalling Projects
The first change request that nearly sank one of my projects was eleven words long, and it taught me more about engineering…
Manufacturing Cost Reduction Strategies That Don’t Cut Corners on Quality
I have sat in a lot of conference rooms where someone puts a slide on the screen that says “Reduce COGS 8%…
Manufacturing Plant Layout Design: Getting Workflow Right the First Time
The most expensive line in any manufacturing plant layout design is the one you have to erase after the anchor bolts go…
Building an Industrial Procurement Strategy That Survives Price Shocks
I have spent close to twenty years buying materials and negotiating contracts, building and rebuilding an industrial procurement strategy for one manufacturer…