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This issue of KeyNotes focuses on collaboration ― providing news, methods and evidence to celebrate the power of people working together. From the boardroom to field techs, from the factory floor to the finance office staff, collaboration has in its core two consistent ingredients for success ― people …Read More >

Living in an “Information Age” has its challenges. Many of us have come to rely too much on technology, expecting it to solve the world’s problems with little or no manual effort involved. Much like drivers who use GPS systems to blindly navigate the roads, organizations have become …Read More >

I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but there’s a bacon revolution going on. Everyone seems to be talking about bacon and eating more of it lately. Bacon recipes are sweeping the Internet. Fast-food chains are peddling double bacon burgers, and upscale restaurants are wrapping steaks in it. Some …Read More >

There are few industries or businesses where improved inventory control could not positively impact bottom line results. Whether it’s something as complex as tracking costly well-drilling equipment, or as simple as making sure that a newborn baby ends up in the arms of the correct mother, we all …Read More >

I’m excited to introduce this issue of KeyNotes. Our goal for this edition is to provide news, methods and evidence that inspire you to ACT DIFFERENT and be more aggressive with your change initiatives. In today’s economic environment, avoidant behavior is much too common. There is an …Read More >

Over the years, businesses have used numerous tools and techniques to achieve rapid change (i.e., Kaizen events). These techniques have typically focused on resolving specific manufacturing or business issues and taken place over a five-day period or more. However, in today’s fast-paced world, shutting down for an …Read More >

There are times when a manufacturing operation needs to get better (a lot better) — fast. This can be the result of many things. Often it’s in response to an external stimulus, such as competitive pressure, a quality “event,” or a troubled product launch. Sometimes it happens when …Read More >

One of the most common and most difficult to eradicate beliefs is that “Lean” is just a bunch of analytical tools and methods. By knowing and applying them, organizations often believe they will automatically — and forever more — increase their profitability. If this were the case, why …Read More >