Blog
Insights on production scheduling, lean manufacturing, and manufacturing software from 35+ years of industry experience.
Everything we have published.
FMEA in Manufacturing: Failure Mode and Effects Analysis Guide
Complete guide to FMEA for manufacturers. Process FMEA steps, RPN scoring, severity-occurrence-detection ratings, examples, and integration with quality systems.
Incoming Quality Inspection: Protecting Your Production From Bad Material
How to implement incoming material inspection. Sampling plans, inspection criteria, supplier management, and integration with production scheduling and quality systems.
ISO 9001 for Manufacturers: Requirements, Benefits, and Certification Path
Complete ISO 9001 guide for manufacturers. Requirements breakdown, certification process, costs, common pitfalls, and how scheduling supports quality management.
p-Chart for Quality Control: When and How to Use Proportion Defective Charts
Learn how to create and use p-charts for manufacturing quality control. Formulas, examples, interpretation rules, and practical applications for attribute data.
Root Cause Analysis in Manufacturing: Methods That Actually Work
Master root cause analysis for manufacturing. 5 Whys, fishbone diagrams, fault tree analysis, and practical problem-solving frameworks for shop floor quality issues.
Statistical Process Control (SPC) in Manufacturing: A Complete Guide
Master SPC for manufacturing. Control charts, process capability, variation analysis, and practical implementation steps for any manufacturing operation.
Total Quality Management (TQM) in Manufacturing: Principles and Implementation
Complete guide to TQM for manufacturers. Eight principles, implementation steps, tools, and how TQM connects to production scheduling and continuous improvement.
X-bar and R Charts: How to Build and Use Them in Manufacturing
Step-by-step guide to X-bar and R control charts. Formulas, constants, interpretation, worked examples, and practical tips for manufacturing SPC implementation.
Zero Defect Manufacturing: Achievable Goal or Unrealistic Standard?
Explore the zero defect manufacturing philosophy. History, practical implementation, relationship to Six Sigma, quality culture, and realistic approaches for manufacturers.
AI in Manufacturing: Practical Applications Beyond the Hype
Explore real-world AI applications in manufacturing: scheduling optimization, quality prediction, predictive maintenance, and demand forecasting for any size shop.
Cloud Manufacturing Software: Benefits, Risks, and When to Stay On-Premise
Evaluate cloud vs on-premise manufacturing software. Security, reliability, cost, and practical guidance for scheduling, ERP, and MES deployment decisions.
Cybersecurity for Manufacturers: Protecting Your Shop Floor and Data
Essential cybersecurity guidance for manufacturers. OT/IT security, common threats, CMMC compliance, practical steps, and how to protect scheduling and production data.