Reed Switch Developments Corp. (RSD), a woman-owned manufacturer in Racine, WI, specializes in magnetic reed switches and sensors. Recognized as last year’s Quality Plant of the Year, RSD has achieved a 25% increase in sales year-to-date, leveraging in-house technical expertise and automation to manage growth amid rising costs and economic uncertainty.

Many continuous improvement (CI) champions encounter resistance to adopting the necessary mindset, often perceiving individuals as closed-minded or too comfortable. Unlearning long-held beliefs can be stressful, especially for those whose careers depend on them, and psychologists note this process can often be harder than learning new skills—particularly for the most successful individuals.

American manufacturing is making a comeback, fueled by billions in investments and new technologies. This reshoring not only boosts job quality and economic opportunity but also mitigates supply chain risks exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. But is there a catch?

In a world where every minute matters, a car rental turns into a frustrating ordeal of delays and inefficiencies. Will I reach my important meeting on time, or will I be exposed to the 8 deadly wastes?

Instead of telling people what to do, learn how to guide them to the best decisions. Read a preview and listen to the full podcast with Lisa Weis, President of EngageExcellence, LLC, who has taught a course on this subject many times and says it can change the way you lead, work, and parent.

For over 30 years, companies have relied on Lean thinking principles to drive successful business models and become more competitive globally. Lean Thinking, based on Japanese manufacturing techniques, aims to handle work more efficiently and create value with fewer resources and less waste.

In today's tech-driven world, companies use software to collect data, but the analysis can be flawed. Charts with only specification limits, arbitrarily chosen warning and action limits, and misused Process Behavior Charts contribute to misinterpretation.

Quality professionals know that even a little data can be misleading for upper management, leading to bad decisions in industries.

Ensuring high quality in medical device manufacturing requires operational excellence, which optimizes efficiency and enhances product quality and compliance. Let’s explore some of the key elements and best practices.

Problem solving should always begin with listening. Where does it hurt? What are your symptoms? What have you tried already?