The General List
Manufacturing & Facilities Management - where people, processes, and machines meet.
Time to Six S
With the economy on life support there is no better time to prepare for the future than the present. Some might object just for that reason basing their argument on staff reductions and reorganization at all levels. I disagree. A strong focus on lean principles now can make the difference in later success once the economy gets off its back and gets back to work.Think about it. At the height of ...... Read More
Comments (0)Going Back
Recently I had the pleasure to visit some old friends back in Chattanooga. Bob and I were working on a project related to Metcam’s silk screen machine which required machining a large aluminum tooling plate. We designed the plate for quick set up and repeatability. The plate’s envelope is 20” x 40” and would require a large piece of equipment to be able t ...... Read More
Comments (0)Tough Times Tight Budget – Got Automation?
While finance departments are suiting up for a long recessive winter CFO’s are tightening the belt and guarding cash flows with tenacity.Capital projects are getting scrutinized closer than ever and that dream automation project you have wanted to start just flew out the window.Close that window and let’s talk. I think I have used or been exposed to almost all PLC’s o ...... Read More
Comments (0)What are you worth?
History will unfold in a few days, the economy is in the tank, CEO’s are lining up for hand outs, and its politics as usual from Illinois to D.C. The Treasury Department just doled out 300+ billion dollars that cannot be accounted for and the press is having a field day – with all of it! Now is the time to be proactive.Getting lean should not just be a catch phrase or a &#x ...... Read More
Comments (0)Politics and the Plant
On this Veterans Day being a veteran myself I appreciate the rights and freedoms that were purchased with the blood of my countrymen on our own soil and foreign lands. We have all heard the term “Freedom is not free!” but do we really stop to ponder what that statement really means? I am not entitled to anything that I do not earn. Grant it, not everyone has had to earn their f ...... Read More
Comments (0)Environmental Management Systems Part 2
The EMS road has been enlightening to say the least. What began as a daunting task has become a great experience. I made a grave error in judgment early on when I assumed I could just knock this thing out, no, I don’t think so. After emerging from the “eye-wall” of this project I have found out that many folks didn’t think I worked here any longer but that’s anot ...... Read More
Comments (0)In The Trenches with Joey
There is something to be said for natural talent. Take Joey Howard for instance. Joey manages our punch and laser departments here at Metcam. To quote his wife Stacey who also works at the company; he has been here 23 or 24 years I am guessing she has been here about the same amount of time. Joey is one of those loyal employees with a strong work ethic who worked his way up through the rank ...... Read More
Comments (1)The Devil is in the Details (Again)
Some things are best restored, especially good things that are sound and have worked well. Maybe restored is a poor choice of words but I don’t care for the word “rebuilt”. How do you “rebuild” something anyway or re-manufacture something for that matter? I can get my hands on “restoration” I suppose it’s a point of view or ...... Read More
Comments (0)Environmental Management Systems Part 1
Recently I have been involved in developing Metcam’s Environmental Management System in preparation for ISO 14000 certification. Many of you already have an EMS in place and are aware of the purpose and design of the system. This is the first time I have been involved in developing a system of this magnitude and scale and let me tell you its been a ride! I was elected, appointed ...... Read More
Comments (0)Tools on Tuesday – Training Videos
The latest in Metcam’s arsenal is a rather inexpensive video camera that records to an internal hard drive. Portable video media has come a long way since the days of VHS and BETA. I’m still waiting for the dust to settle on the latest battle between HD and Blue Ray. At the end of the day you still have ...... Read More
Comments (0)Windows Vista – Another Mandate from Microsoft – You got the patch yet?
I have been using Windows Vista for some time now with much angst. It doesn’t matter if I configure a program for compatibility mode or not just like all Microsoft products Vista has a mind of its own! Vista plays God of my computer and only allows me to “innovate” as it sees fit. I’m tired people! & ...... Read More
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