Blog
Insights on production scheduling, lean manufacturing, and manufacturing software from 35+ years of industry experience.
Planning and scheduling practice that applies whichever system you run.
Precision Manufacturing Scheduling: Tight Tolerances, Tight Deadlines
Guide to precision manufacturing scheduling covering tolerance-driven routing, inspection integration, environmental controls, and scheduling for medical, aerospace, and optical components.
Semiconductor Manufacturing Scheduling Guide
Guide to semiconductor manufacturing scheduling covering wafer fab scheduling, reentrant flow management, equipment qualification, and cleanroom capacity optimization.
Sheet Metal Manufacturing Scheduling Guide
Guide to sheet metal fabrication scheduling covering nesting optimization, bend sequencing, multi-operation routing, and managing the cut-bend-weld-finish workflow.
Textile & Garment Production Scheduling
Guide to textile and garment manufacturing scheduling covering fabric production, cut-sew-finish operations, style changeovers, and fast fashion demand cycles.
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.
Lean Scheduling Techniques: How to Schedule Production the Lean Way
Apply lean scheduling techniques including heijunka, pull-based scheduling, and level loading to reduce WIP, shorten lead times, and improve on-time delivery.