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 ...

“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 ...

The terms lean manufacturing and "just in time," or JIT, are often used as if they're the same thing, but they aren't identical concepts. Just-in-time manufacturing is focused on efficiency, while ...

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 ...

Traditional manufacturing refers to manufacturing principles focused on producing a certain set number of products each period and holding a reserve in case of unexpected demand or shortages. This ...

Manufacturing continues to stand as one of the final frontiers to digital transformation. We are now a decade into Industry 4.0, and all of us can agree that it’s been an exhilarating ten years.

Companies that have utilized lean manufacturing principles know a thing or two about cutting waste. With inauguration day behind us, we’ve already seen some of the first big moves from the new ...

The principles of lean manufacturing have proven their effectiveness across various industries, and the project management domain is no exception. The integration of lean principles into project ...

I almost can’t take it anymore. I have the pleasure of meeting hundreds of people and seeing hundreds of shops, from small two-person operations all the way to the largest manufacturers in the country ...

Will Kenton is an expert on the economy and investing laws and regulations. He previously held senior editorial roles at Investopedia and Kapitall Wire and holds a MA in Economics from The New School ...

Brush and Maritan write that flow manufacturing "allows a plant to develop its manufacturing capabilities of quality, flexibility and delivery speed with positive feedback on cost and efficiency.