This might be a little overboard, but it gets the point across. For years, lean manufacturing has been held up as the gold standard for operational excellence. Build less. Carry less inventory. Reduce waste. Improve efficiency. Increase cash flow. On paper, it sounds like the perfect business model. But here's the reality: Lean manufacturing is not a one-size-fits-all strategy. It's a tool. Like any tool, its effectiveness depends entirely on how and where you use it. I've w

What? No Quality Department? In manufacturing, engineering and quality are often closely connected. They work together every day to design products, solve problems, improve processes, and support customers. Because of that relationship, many companies make the mistake of placing the Quality Department under the Engineering Department. While this may seem efficient on paper, it often creates challenges that can negatively impact product quality, customer satisfaction, and long