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Whenever there is a EHSQ (Environment, Health, Safety, Quality) event in a manufacturing facility, it is important to investigate and perform a thorough root cause analysis. The knowledge and understanding gained during this initial step is crucial, but ultimately futile, if it isn’t followed up by a corrective action plan that is effectively put in motion. Having a strong quality management system (QMS) will allow for analysis and action…

Lean Manufacturing, by definition, is about reducing non-value-added activities from the workflow. Unfortunately, the implementation of a Lean approach fails more often than not, and can end up as a waste of time and energy if there is not long-term follow through. Below are 5 common reasons why Lean fails: Too many Tools It is important for manufacturers to understand that implementing tools is a means to an end,…

Guest Blogger: Ben Bird - Director, Information Technology, TAKTL Industry 4.0 is all about data. Data collected from machines, operators, systems, robots, products, customers, and every other process along the value chain. The data is captured, analyzed, and studied, and then it teaches us something about the chain. The generated knowledge drives deliberate actions relative to product lifecycles, customer relationships, and company revenue. Many large organizations layer AI on top of…

Team cohesion is vital to all facets of a business, and the productivity and effectiveness of an organization is dependent on the health of the work environment. The positive impacts of good teamwork can lead to a culture of high-functioning and high-achieving people who are more successful at their jobs. Based on Patrick Lencioni’s book The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, The Five Behaviors of a Cohesive Team looks…

Innovation and forward thinking have long been key drivers to success. Without the vision, willingness, or ability to tackle change, any number of companies have seen stagnation negatively impact the bottom line. With advanced manufacturing technologies arriving at an exceptional pace, and with these improvements becoming more and more accessible to Small & Medium Manufacturers (SMM’s), it is important to look at how pursuing Automation and Robotics can improve…