Blog
Insights on production scheduling, lean manufacturing, and manufacturing software from 35+ years of industry experience.
Featured Guides
Andon-Triggered Rescheduling: How Real-Time Machine Alerts Should Change Your Production Schedule
Andon alerts signal a production problem — but most plants stop at the alert. Learn the complete andon-to-reschedule workflow that protects delivery commitments when things go wrong.
Cellular Manufacturing Scheduling: How Dedicated Cells Change Your Scheduling Approach
When you create manufacturing cells, the scheduling problem changes fundamentally. Learn how cell scheduling differs from functional layout and when to make a cell dedicated vs. shared.
Can You Do Lean Manufacturing in a Job Shop? Yes — Here's How to Adapt It
Lean manufacturing works in job shops — with the right adaptations. Learn which principles transfer directly and which need modification for high-mix, low-volume production.
Manufacturing SOPs: How to Write, Implement, and Maintain Standard Operating Procedures
Learn how to create effective manufacturing SOPs that reduce defects, improve training time, and connect to production scheduling for consistent throughput.
One-Piece Flow Scheduling: What a Batch Size of 1 Does to Your Lead Time and Schedule
One-piece flow eliminates queue time between operations and compresses lead times dramatically. Learn the math, when OPF is feasible, and how it changes your scheduling logic.
5S Methodology Implementation: Step-by-Step Guide for Manufacturers
Implement 5S methodology on your shop floor with this practical guide. Includes audit checklists, real examples, timelines, and tips for sustaining workplace organization.
The 7 Wastes of Lean Manufacturing: Identification and Elimination Guide
Learn to identify and eliminate the 7 wastes of lean manufacturing (TIMWOOD) with real examples, actionable strategies, and scheduling software that prevents overproduction.
Continuous Flow Manufacturing: Eliminating Batch-and-Queue Production
Implement continuous flow manufacturing to eliminate WIP, reduce lead times, and improve quality. Covers cell design, one-piece flow, and FIFO lanes for job shops.
Just-in-Time (JIT) Manufacturing: Principles, Benefits, and Implementation
Implement just-in-time manufacturing to eliminate inventory waste, reduce lead times, and improve cash flow. Covers JIT principles, prerequisites, and real-world examples.
Kaizen Events: How to Plan and Run Rapid Improvement Projects
Plan and execute Kaizen events that deliver measurable manufacturing improvements in 3-5 days. Includes team selection, scope templates, and follow-up systems.
Kanban System in Manufacturing: How Pull-Based Production Works
Implement a Kanban pull system in your manufacturing operation. Covers card calculations, board design, supermarket sizing, and integration with scheduling software.
Lean Manufacturing KPIs: The Metrics That Drive Continuous Improvement
Track the right lean manufacturing KPIs to measure waste reduction, flow improvement, and operational performance. Includes formulas, benchmarks, and dashboard design.