Here’s a reprise of an article, Toyota Kata: A Lean Strategy for Keeping Up with the Pace of Change, published a couple years ago by Brian Lagas, Technical Manager at NIST MEP. A good time to revisit kata, just before…
by Bob Zaruta, President/CEO, NWIRC
Every March, manufacturers from across the country visit Capitol Hill along with representatives from the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Centers. Their mission: to emphasize the importance of U.S. manufacturing, and the National Institute of Standards…
Even prior to COVID-19, manufacturers in the region and across the country had challenges with hiring and retaining employees. The pandemic has caused additional workforce disruptions. Issues of new safety concerns and protocols, family needs, and team collaboration of remote…
by Susan Hileman, NWIRC, COVID-19 Recovery Program Manager
In March and April of 2020 as the pandemic was forcing business shut-downs, representatives from the PA Department of Labor & Industry’s Rapid Response program, Strategic Early Warning Network/Steel Valley Authority (SEWN)…
Written By: Mark Schmit
The COVID-19 pandemic has made us more aware of the items we purchase on a regular basis and how they get to store shelves and to our doors. Anyone else still waiting two to three weeks…
by Craig Corsi, Lean/Continuous Improvement Expert and Lean Together Facilitator
Before I became a practitioner of lean and continuous improvement methodologies, I was taught concepts during training classes, public seminars, and from participating in team-led kaizen events. At the beginning…
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software systems form the backbone and basis for manufacturing and distribution businesses’ technology and computing. They represent the largest expenditure of information technology assets, yet over the years, many companies have struggled to fully implement many…
by Bob Zaruta, President/CEO, NWIRC
The beginning of a New Year typically re-energizes us. We may have a fresh new look with gifts of clothing added to our wardrobe. New goals and resolutions are often established for ourself and our…
