1600 Companies and the Impacts that are Improving Illinois Manufacturing

Posted by Kristy Johns on Dec 7, 2022 1:04:14 PM

As the cliché, but true saying goes: “numbers don’t lie.” We can’t help but agree as we review our 2021 client reported impacts! While it is certainly a time of celebration here at IMEC, it’s also a celebration for the 1600 manufacturers who have invested in their competitive futures.  By partnering with IMEC and reporting the impacts our work has contributed to their business, it allows us to show that we all play an important role in a much bigger story. These numbers speak volumes to the value our clients add to our manufacturing ecosystem. Not only are companies on a path to enterprise excellence, but they are also strengthening Illinois’ economic well-being, their communities, and their organization as whole. 

+

Five Leadership Essentials for Lean Success

Posted by IMEC on Aug 29, 2022 12:10:22 PM

This is an original article from the NIST Manufacturing Innovation Blog.

The Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME) defines people-centric leadership (PCL) as a leadership approach that seeks to create a culture in which everyone is encouraged to improve and apply their talents and given the opportunity to pursue excellence at work every day.

+

The Gemba Walk: 3 Fundamental Characteristics of the Bones of Gemba

Posted by Mark Loscudo on Feb 1, 2022 12:04:49 PM

In part one of this series, we discussed the importance of the Gemba walk and how well executed and thought out Gemba Walks can drive sustained Continuous Improvement. Great Gemba Walks become a focused process whereby leadership engages with various parts of the organization to observe, learn, and provide support to meet organizational goals and objectives and more importantly, the needs of its customers. Leadership is observing, learning, and engaging where value is being created, and teaching the team members to be problem solvers to achieve continuous improvement.

+

Culture is the key to productivity

Posted by IMEC on Sep 17, 2021 4:39:03 PM

Even in the 21st century when automation and digital disruption are all the rage, manufacturing productivity is still a people business. It’s not just about software, management theories, or even logic — people are a hybrid of reason and emotion and managing to optimize productivity and other metrics is as much about how people feel, as it is about what and how they think.

+

The Gemba Walk: A key to Employee Engagement and Continuous Improvement

Posted by Mark Loscudo on Aug 24, 2021 3:49:16 PM

For years, those of us in operations have heard of or used the term “Gemba.” In fact, we often use the term quite loosely not realizing the Gemba is not just where the work is done, but where value-added work is done. A key understanding is how a well-executed Gemba Walk can help improve flow and value to the organization.

+

Risk Management Planning:  A Systematic Approach

Posted by Margo Barr on Apr 20, 2021 7:45:00 AM

If you don’t invest in risk management, it doesn’t matter what business you’re in, it’s a risky business. - Gary Cohn, American Business Leader IBM

2020 taught us two distinct things: organizations are capable of adapting to monumental change, and identifying and eliminating risks must be a central focus for survival. A risk management plan does not need to be extensive and complex. It does, however, need to be approached with a proactive mindset rather than a reactive one.

+

Using Agile/SCRUM Tools for Fast Iteration on Improvement Projects

Posted by Patrick Peplowski on Mar 1, 2021 4:03:39 PM

As a business leader, are you searching for an environment where high levels of collaboration and innovation meet speed and flexibility to drive your business forward? Although we all want to get there, it seems like that environment is either too difficult to achieve, or when you finally get there, even more difficult to sustain.

+

Identifying and Eliminating Waste Caused by COVID-19

Posted by Steve Sandercook on Sep 16, 2020 2:59:27 PM

Written by Steve Sandercock and Greg Thompson.

+

Five Helpful Lean Tools Manufacturers Can Use Today to Improve Productivity

Posted by IMEC on Aug 21, 2020 11:19:30 AM

Lean manufacturing uses many lean tools to improve production and efficiency by getting the most out of each resource. The goal of lean manufacturing is to find better ways to do things – requiring less effort, less time, and fewer resources.

+

Lean Through COVID-19: Adapting Lean Tools To Changing Times

Posted by Greg Thompson on Aug 11, 2020 11:52:22 AM

The global response to the Coronavirus has impacted all of us. The need for continuous improvement persists, and one may argue is even more important during challenging times. How can we use lean tools during this time?

+

    Subscribe to Email Updates:

    Stay Connected:

    Posts by Category