When talking with clients, I often find there is a misunderstanding when I ask about procedures or work instructions. Often, I am shown work instructions when I ask about a procedure, and vice versa. So, what are they, and what function do they serve? Starting at the top level, policies are usually implemented by senior […]
Tag: #manufacturing
Five Core Principles of Lean Operations
When researching the topic of process improvement, the results can be overwhelming. I like to use the five core principles of lean operations to create permanent results:
5S: Mastering the Art of Sustaining Order
Usually, the fifth S, Sustain, is the biggest casualty in the work area,
ONE PIECE FLOW
A couple weeks ago, I worked with an assembler on one-piece flow of an item she was assembling. She was batching five at a time. When we started, she told me she had the best system and that there was no way my system was better. By the time we finished, she had changed her […]
What is Quality?
Quality is a multifaceted concept often misunderstood. While we’ve all heard car dealers tout the “high quality” of their pre-owned vehicles, the term remains elusive. In manufacturing and service industries, quality is more concretely defined as conformance to requirements. Essentially, it’s about how well a product or service meets its specifications or expectations. I often […]
Writing Clear Assembly Instructions
Have you ever spent hours wrestling with a flat-pack and instructions that seem written in hieroglyphics? We’ve all been there. But have you ever considered the challenges of crafting clear assembly instructions? It’s more than just listing steps; it’s about anticipating every potential user’s questions and creating a smooth, frustration-free experience. As a manufacturing engineer, […]
Ditch the Hunches: Data Analysis Wins the Process Improvement Race
I was once told that determining KPIs and collecting data to establish a base line takes too long and to just make certain changes and then determine if the change worked. We’ve all been there – relying on intuition for process changes. But in today’s data-driven world, gut feelings often fall short. Panic then sets […]
Building Better: Top Quality Engineering Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
In engineering, even small mistakes can have big consequences. Here are some common quality pitfalls I’ve seen, along with tips to ensure your projects are built to last: