Continuous Improvement Part 1: Understanding the CI Philosophy
"There are four purposes of improvement: easier, better, faster, and cheaper. These four goals appear in the order of priority” (Shigeo Shingo). In the manufacturing sphere, the practice of continuous improvement (CI) (and the
Mapping Your Supply Chains Helps Prioritize Risks, Actions
Reposted with permission from nist.gov As a manufacturer, you understand that supply chain disruptions happen all the time. What you don’t know is when or how they will impact your operation and business. But
Are Manufacturing Consultants Worth the Investment?
In the world of manufacturing, streamlining operations and increasing efficiency are key components of success. Whether you’ve been in the game for years, or are relatively new to the industry, at some point you’ll
10 Crucial Steps for Planning Your Manufacturing Plant’s Construction
Beginning construction on a new manufacturing plant is no small task. It takes a great deal of vision, along with a complete understanding of the project scope to ensure that you make all the
CMTC Launches California’s Sourcing & Procurement Platform
In a time when managing supply chains has become increasingly complex, California Manufacturing Technology Consulting (CMTC) and their California’s Manufacturing Network (CMN) partners continue to provide ongoing services and support for manufacturers across the
Lean Six Sigma: Principles and Benefits
The most successful organizations, in any industry, are continually working to improve their processes and become more efficient. To achieve these results, there are a variety of methodologies to work with. One of the
Manex Named as a 2023 Power Partner Award Winner
Manex was named B2B Power Partner for Manufacturing Consulting among the Power Partner Awards B2B Superstars published in Inc.com in November 2023. Inc. Power Partners was launched in 2022 in order to bring recognition
Cleaning Up Your Act: Food Facility Handwashing Requirements
In the world of food processing and manufacturing, practicing safety and good hygiene in your facilities is a responsibility that must be taken seriously. This responsibility extends to each and every employee, at every
Set Your Company Up For Success: Establish KPIs for QMS and GFSI Programs
In the world of business, finding ways to measure your performance is critical to long-term success. Without a way to track and measure what exactly constitutes success, your business will flounder. That is why establishing
Understanding the Benefits of ISO 9001:2015 and How to Achieve It
In today’s world, business is done on a global scale. With so many moving parts around the world, how can businesses - and consumers - be sure that the goods and services they purchase
What Is a Food Safety Consultant and How Do I Find One?
Most people take it for granted that the foods they purchase and consume each day are safe to eat. Yet for businesses operating in food production and distribution, meeting the health and safety standards
What Is ISO Certification? And How To Get ISO Certified
By Michael Shabaka, Ph.D., Director of Sales and Innovation for Manex Every day, the world relies on sets of standards for thousands of different products, tools, and usages. Without such standards, the world would
Investing in the Right Consultants Can Add Value to Your Manufacturing Company
Professional manufacturing consultants who have the right real-world experience can provide additional bandwidth to organizations that are not yet large enough to solve all of their critical manufacturing challenges internally. All too often, CEOs
Manufacturing Process Improvement and the Most Effective Ways to Achieve It
By Gene Russell, President & CEO of Manex Consulting When a manufacturing organization is able to make improvements in processes that are sustainable and embraced throughout the organization, it is a safe bet that
What is a Kaizen Event?
By Gene Russell, President & CEO of Manex Consulting Let’s begin with the origin of Kaizen, which will help put the concept of a Kaizen event in a more easily understandable context. Pronounced “k-eye-zin,”