Quality-Continuous Improvement

While related, continuous improvement and operational excellence serve different but complementary roles in business operations management. Continuous improvement is incremental enhancements to existing processes to reduce waste, improve quality, and optimize human potential. It involves a systematic approach that includes customer focus, leadership engagement, employee … [Read more...] about Continuous Improvement vs. Operational Excellence: Streamlining Business Operations

In today’s rapidly evolving business environment, staying competitive requires companies to be agile and adaptable. Process intelligence plays a crucial role by providing a software-based methodology that helps organizations thoroughly understand and analyze their internal processes. This capability allows businesses to collect, visualize, and assess real-time operational data, … [Read more...] about Process intelligence in the continuous improvement cycle: A comprehensive approach

The book The Origin of Toyota’s Strength: Taiichi Ohno’s Improvement Spirit offers a deep exploration of the ideas and methods of Taiichi Ohno, the creator of the Toyota Production System (TPS). Through memorials, lectures, and interviews, the book highlights Ohno's unique management approach, which is characterized by a relentless focus on eliminating waste and fostering a … [Read more...] about Founder of Toyota Production System Taiichi Ohno’s “Improvement Spirit”

Automation in manufacturing relies heavily on precise and accurate data, making the management of measurement uncertainty crucial. As processes become more automated and involve less human intervention, metrologists must carefully monitor uncertainties throughout the production cycle. Even small errors can accumulate over time, leading to significant issues in the final … [Read more...] about Measurement Uncertainty 101: Automation, Bias, and Advanced Management

In today's manufacturing industry, the terms "Big Data" and "Smart Data" are fundamental to understanding the evolution of process control. Big Data refers to the enormous volumes of data generated at high speeds from various sources, such as machines, sensors, and supply chain systems. This data, characterized by its volume, velocity, variety, and veracity, provides a … [Read more...] about Big Data vs. Smart Data: Transforming Process Control in Manufacturing

Integrating Big Data into Metrology 4.0 transforms manufacturing processes by enhancing precision, efficiency, and real-time monitoring. This data-driven approach enables seamless integration of measurement data with manufacturing systems, leading to optimized processes, improved accuracy, and proactive maintenance strategies. Closed feedback process control, powered by Big … [Read more...] about Big Data in Metrology 4.0: Closed Feedback Process Control Revolutionizing Precision

Manufacturers and retailers must work together closely to ensure product safety and manage risks effectively, especially when handling recalls. Contracts between manufacturers, retailers, and distributors should clearly outline each party's roles, responsibilities, and financial liabilities to prevent misunderstandings, particularly if retailers modify products or advise … [Read more...] about How Manufacturers and Retailers Can Collaborate to Provide Quality Products and Conduct Effective Recalls

Efficient factory scheduling is essential for optimizing productivity, reducing costs, and enhancing customer satisfaction in manufacturing operations. Production scheduling involves allocating plant and machinery resources, planning human resources, organizing production processes, and managing material procurement. This ensures that products are manufactured on time and … [Read more...] about Optimizing Factory Scheduling for More Efficiency and Better Productivity

The integration of Internet-of-Things (IoT) data with machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) models has the potential to transform manufacturing operations by providing real-time insights and predictions. Industry 4.0, characterized by advanced technologies like IoT and AI, aims to enhance manufacturing efficiency and operational excellence. However, despite the abundance … [Read more...] about Machine learning applications on IoT data in manufacturing operations and their interpretability implications

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the COVID-19 pandemic have severely disrupted global supply chains, leading to shortages and economic challenges, particularly in Alberta's energy sector. This study explores the evolution of digital skills in Alberta's supply chains, examining the current state, enablers, barriers to digitization, and the emerging skills required for … [Read more...] about Report: Adopting Digitization Within Supply Chains and Its Impact on Skills

Traceability in manufacturing refers to the capability to track and document every aspect of the production process, from raw material procurement to the finished product reaching the consumer. This ability is becoming increasingly crucial in various sectors due to the stringent regulations that require detailed tracking to ensure compliance and quality control. Traceability … [Read more...] about A Guide to Traceability in Manufacturing

Achieving exceptional results in process development requires mastering specific techniques designed to design successful, waste-free processes. The initial step in effective process development is appointing a system architect who can oversee the process's comprehensive and detailed aspects and ensure alignment with broader management systems. Emphasis is placed on developing … [Read more...] about Nine Tips to Better Process Development

A detailed exploration of integrating Industry 4.0 technologies and principles with quality management methods, specifically through Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), can be presented using a "Smart Factory Line" testbed. This method aims to verify the feasibility of applying FMEA in a complex technical system and to demonstrate the potential of integrating Industry 4.0 … [Read more...] about Mutual combination of selected principles and technologies of Industry 4.0 and quality management methods

Streamlining workflows can greatly enhance efficiency and productivity. Workflow optimization is the method of making an existing workflow faster, cheaper, and more effective. It is important to emphasize identifying essential tasks, removing redundancies, and leveraging automation to maximize operational efficiency. The benefits of this approach include improved agility, … [Read more...] about Workflow Optimization: The Ultimate Guide to Process Improvement

Steve Shoemaker challenges the conventional notion within engineering departments that their designs are independent of the operations team's needs. He highlights a shift in perspective and advocates for recognizing operations as the primary customer of engineering efforts. This approach stems from an exhaustive investigation into "quality escapes," where end-users find flaws, … [Read more...] about Operations is Your Customer

Handheld gages are indispensable tools in the manufacturing industry, playing a crucial role in ensuring product quality and precision. As outlined by experts in the field, the maintenance and calibration of these tools are essential for their optimal performance. High-end gages, often accompanied by setting masters, require regular inspections and calibration to maintain … [Read more...] about Maximizing Precision: How to Care for and Integrate Your Handheld Gages

The manufacturing landscape is experiencing profound transformations, propelled by the integration of cutting-edge technologies and the principles of the fourth industrial revolution, or Industry 4.0. In "The Dark Factory and the Future of Manufacturing: A Guide to Operational Efficiency and Competitiveness," Philip J. Gisi delves into the advancements for a more automated, … [Read more...] about Book Review: The Dark Factory and the Future of Manufacturing

One-point lessons serve as a concise educational tool within the manufacturing sector, distilling complex corrective actions and key learnings into easily digestible, single-page formats with engaging visuals. These lessons aim to elevate awareness around crucial safety and quality practices by summarizing the essence of problem-solving activities. Employed typically at the … [Read more...] about The Ultimate Guide to Layered Process Audits

Ted Hessing's article delves into the fundamental frameworks of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Key Behavior Indicators (KBIs), and Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) that are pivotal in measuring and tracking performance in business and management. KPIs focus on quantifiable metrics that reflect an organization's overall performance and success in achieving its key business … [Read more...] about Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Key Behavior Indicators (KBIs), Objectives and Key Results (OKRs)

(Note: This article requires a free account and log-in from ASQ.org) This article by Lance B. Coleman Sr. emphasizes the importance of integrating risk management into auditing processes. It advocates for a shift from traditional auditing to a risk-based approach, where risk considerations are central in structuring, planning, executing, reporting, and closing audits. This … [Read more...] about Elevate Your Audits: Upgrade Your Conventional Audit Program With A Risk-Based Approach