Effects on Efficiency—Group Size, Line, Location, Product

In my last post, I started to look at factors that affect the efficiency of your line, in particular the percentage of value-added time by the operators. For this I have a good data set with fifty-three different observations. One major factor was the speed of the line. Faster lines are not only easier to…

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The Key to Unstoppable Operations: Mastering the 8 Pillars of TPM

Every business strives for efficient, streamlined operations. However, inefficient equipment and unplanned downtime can quickly derail productivity and profitability. That’s where the pillars of TPM (Total Productive Maintenance) become invaluable. This lean methodology empowers organizations to achieve the ambitious yet attainable goals of zero breakdowns, zero defects, and zero accidents. TPM revolves around 8 fundamental…

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Applying Analytics to Production Scheduling

Manufacturers have long relied on spreadsheets and manual data entry for production scheduling. However, these methods can often lead to inefficiencies and missed delivery deadlines. MachineMetrics Production Schedule Intelligence addresses these challenges by integrating real-time data and predictive analytics into the scheduling process. Production Schedule Intelligence achieves this by connecting directly to ERP systems and…

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Genchi Genbutsu: A Way to First-Hand Process Observation

Imagine you’re a business leader faced with a persistent operational issue that’s hurting productivity and customer satisfaction. You’ve pored over reports, analyzed data, and held countless meetings, yet the root cause remains elusive. This disconnect between perception and reality is a common challenge that the Japanese philosophy of “genchi genbutsu” can help overcome. Genchi genbutsu,…

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Effects on Efficiency—Takt Time

Whenever I visit a factory where manual work is done, I try to estimate the percentage of value-adding time. This brings up an interesting question: What factors do affect the percentage of value-adding time? Let’s dig through my data to see what matters. The Question Whenever I visit a factory where manual work is done,…

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Mastering Left vs Right Skewed Histogram: Unlocking Data’s Hidden Stories

In data analysis, not all distributions are created equal. In skewed histograms, where data tells a tale of asymmetry and hidden insights. Understanding the nuances between left skewed vs right skewed histogram/distributions is crucial for anyone navigating the complex landscape of statistics and data science. Key Highlights Concepts of left and right skewed histograms distinguish…

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