What’s Trending in Manufacturing?
By: Matthew Kirchner
A look at trends in process improvement, purchasing and technology as we head into the new year.
#management
Killing the Call Report
By: Matthew Kirchner
Is there an alternative to the painful call report process that so often results in unproductive conflict?
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Lean on the Coater
By: Matthew Kirchner
Generally, the most practical starting line for improving product flow is at the end-user of a manufacturer’s products—understanding final customer demand and preferences and then arranging the supply chain in a fashion that delivers on these factors.
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Bridging the Sales-Operations Divide
By: Matthew Kirchner
Matt Kirchner recently assembled a group of manufacturing industry sales and operations professionals to define "Rules of Engagement," a group comprised of seven individuals with combined experience exceeding 120 years. Here's what they came up with.
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Two Hours a Day in the “Gemba”
By: Matthew Kirchner
Spending time on the shop floor can save your job and your business. Gemba is a Japanese word meaning “real place.” In business, the gemba is the place where value is created. In manufacturing, the gemba is the shop floor.
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Business Pet Peeves
By: Matthew Kirchner
Little inconsiderations can have a big impact on your business, your team and your perception in the industry. Sweat this small stuff.
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Is Yours a Blame Game Culture?
By: Matthew Kirchner
Management expert Matt Kirchner says pointing the finger at someone else doesn’t solve the problem
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‘They Never Call Me Back.’ No Kidding.
By: Matthew Kirchner
Get creative to set yourself apart and get prospective customers to hear you out.
#management #curing #masking
KIRCHNER: Must-See TV: “Finishing: Impossible”
By: Matthew Kirchner
Columnist Matt Kirchner tells us what reality TV can teach us about transforming your finishing shop.
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Matt Kirchner: God Created the Finisher, Too
By: Matthew Kirchner
Columnist Matt Kirchner writes about a recent Super Bowl commercial of Paul Harvey’s adage that on the eighth day, God created the farmer. But the ninth day was productive as well.
Like the Farmer, God Created the Finisher, Too
By: Matthew Kirchner
A recent Super Bowl commercial reminded us of Paul Harvey’s adage that on the eighth day, God created the farmer. But the ninth day was productive as well.
#management
Ensuring Your Next Kaizen Event is a Colossal Failure
By: Matthew Kirchner
Finishers all over the United States are using Kaizen events to improve efficiency and better respond to the voice of the customer. Though some are achieving their goals, many — if not most — are failing.
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