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It is unlikely that very many economists ever thought they would have to contemplate the impact of a rapidly spreading, globally menacing pathogen on the economic outlook. But that day is upon us. Of course at Manufacturing Talk Radio, our focus is on the US manufacturing sector. In this episode of ‘Cliff Notes on the [] The post Weekly Wrap Up For March 27th 2020 appeared first on Manufacturing Talk Radio Podcast .

The post Episode 423: Jump Into Industry 4.0 Without The Pain appeared first on Manufacturing Talk Radio Podcast .

As part of their ongoing satellite launches, SpaceX completed yet another successful launch this Wednesday from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. However, while the satellites were able to reach orbit, the launch itself wasn’t without its issues. The flight commenced at 8:16 a.m. EST, with the Falcon 9 rocket launching from pad 39A on [] The post SpaceX Launches 60 Starlink Satellites Despite Engine Failure appeared first on Manufacturing Talk Radio Podcast .

Many airline companies and manufacturers have taken large hits caused by the coronavirus. Now, Boeing, which had already been struggling financially before the pandemic, is seeking extra assistance from the government. The company, which is one of the two largest plane manufacturers in the world, is seeking $60 billion in government aid. Part of this [] The post Boeing Seeks $60 Billion In Government Aid Due to Coronavirus Hits appeared first on Manufacturing Talk Radio Podcast .

This week's guest is Tracy Defoe. Ron and Tracy discussed why people practice Toyota Kata and continuous improvement in secret, and why it's problematic. A MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote that inspires Tracy (3:46) Tracy's background (5:27) About practicing kata in secret (9:28) The root cause (16:24) The role of compassion (20:25) The way to learn kata (23:02) The pride and ego in continuous improvement (26:06) The DIY side (28:22) About the kata dojo (30:03) Tracy's advice on participating (35:54) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Download a Free Audio Book at Audible.com The Learning Factor/Kata Geek Tracy on Twitter Tracy on LinkedIn Gemba Academy Toyota Kata Resources Peak Practice Perfect Kata Dojo Kata Europe KataCon Europe Subscribe & Never Miss New Episodes! Click to Subscribe in iTunes If you enjoyed this podcast please be sure to subscribe on iTunes. Once you're a subscriber all new episodes will be downloaded to your iTunes account and smartphone. The easiest way for iPhone users to listen to the show is via the free, and incredible, Podcast app.  NEW! You can now follow the podcast on Spotify here.  You can also subscribe via Stitcher which is definitely Android friendly. What Do You Think? Have you ever been in a situation where you had to practice continuous improvement in secret, or without managerial support?

In this week's MakingChips podcast, hosts Jim Carr, and Nick Goellner discuss the impact of today’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and consider its effect on the manufacturing industry, future investors, travel and much more.

The post Episode 422: In the Midst of This Crisis, Begin Preparing for the Next One appeared first on Manufacturing Talk Radio Podcast .

Only days after the United Autoworkers Union announced it had a plan to scale back operations at the Big 3 manufacturing facilities in Detroit, it appears that all production will cease in an effort to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. This past Tuesday, General Motors, Fiat Chrysler, and Ford Motor said they had [] The post All U.S. Automobile Production Shut Down appeared first on Manufacturing Talk Radio Podcast .

Today we're releasing a special episode on the COVID-19 virus. Mark Graban, Dr. Greg Jacobson, and Dr. Mason Mileur recorded a webinar answering some commonly asked questions about this global pandemic, and what we can do to stay safe and help out.  A MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Download a Free Audio Book at Audible.com The Webinar on YouTube KaiNexus' Response to COVID-19 What You Can Do to Save People TODAY [COVID-19] COVID-19: What the Heck Does Exponential Mean?  Why the Public & Healthcare Response to COVID-19 Has Me Fuming Mark Graban's Lean Blog Stay at Home: A COVID-19 Message from an E.R. Physician, Greg Jacobson, M.D. Why These Doctors Say Staying Home is a Matter of Life and Death One Point Lesson: How to Wash Your Hands TWI Job Instruction Hand Washing Training Did You Find Yourself Working from Home All the Sudden? What is Exponential Growth and Why Should You Care? The Unexpected Benefit of Cancelling Everything Deepening the Lessons of Crisis Subscribe & Never Miss New Episodes! Click to Subscribe in iTunes If you enjoyed this podcast please be sure to subscribe on iTunes. Once you're a subscriber all new episodes will be downloaded to your iTunes account and smartphone. The easiest way for iPhone users to listen to the show is via the free, and incredible, Podcast app.  NEW! You can now follow the podcast on Spotify here.  You can also subscribe via Stitcher which is definitely Android friendly. What Do You Think? How can we leverage continuous improvement principles to improve the outcome and management of the COVID-19 virus?

Remember when Elon Musk unveiled the Tesla truck and the windows shattered?  It didn’t have to be!  Hear Shawn Kitchell, President and CEO of Madico, a coating solutions manufacturer that makes coatings for windows discuss the many solutions they provide for business, industry and consumers in this fun discussion with hosts Lew Weiss and Tim [] The post Weekly Wrap Up For March 20th, 2020 appeared first on Manufacturing Talk Radio Podcast .

Markets all over the world continue to be impacted by the spread of coronavirus, and oil is no different. As of Thursday of last week, prices for oil fell around 8% as demand continues to decrease. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude oil prices have fallen down nearly 25% this week, its worst one week drop [] The post Oil Prices Continue to Drop, Set for Worst Month in a Decade appeared first on Manufacturing Talk Radio Podcast .

The post COVID-19 Survey: Impacts On Global Supply Chains appeared first on Manufacturing Talk Radio Podcast .

This week's guest is Hal Macomber. Ron and Hal discussed the lean construction movement, the Last Planner System, and more. A MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote that inspires Hal (2:43) Hal's background (5:29) How lean was introduced to construction (9:51) The Last Planner System (13:57) Some of the key lean tenets (15:30) About Gemba Academy's new building (19:55) The role of Respect for People (23:29) Who is driving the change (30:04) The improvement to safety (31:48) Some of the challenges they're facing (35:14) The future and kaizen (40:37) Advice for those interested in lean construction (48:23) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Download a Free Audio Book at Audible.com Lean Construction Institute This Is Lean Subscribe & Never Miss New Episodes! Click to Subscribe in iTunes If you enjoyed this podcast please be sure to subscribe on iTunes. Once you're a subscriber all new episodes will be downloaded to your iTunes account and smartphone. The easiest way for iPhone users to listen to the show is via the free, and incredible, Podcast app.  NEW! You can now follow the podcast on Spotify here.  You can also subscribe via Stitcher which is definitely Android friendly. What Do You Think? Are you familiar with lean construction? What applications resonate with you the most?

The post Episode 421: Cliff Notes On The Global Manufacturing Picture: How The Coronavirus Crisis Is Impacting US Industry appeared first on Manufacturing Talk Radio Podcast .

This week's guest is Brad Miller. Ron and Brad discussed how motivation factors into continuous improvement, and a modern motivation framework that could be useful to managers. A MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  Brad's background (2:51) The importance of an academic background (4:34) His favorite quote (6:05) The concept of motivation as it relates to continuous improvement (8:46) Getting to the goal (15:09) Dealing with uncertainty (16:21) Where training comes in (18:02) What people believe about the activity (20:17) How psychological safety plays into motivation (23:07) How mastery, autonomy, and purpose fit into Brad's framework (26:03) Another example (32:02) Exposing people to a better world (34:51) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Download a Free Audio Book at Audible.com Brad on LinkedIn Brad on Twitter Brad on YouTube Drive by Dan Pink The Fearless Organization Motivation and Kaizen Expectancy-Value Small Model Expectancy-Value Large Model Subscribe & Never Miss New Episodes! Click to Subscribe in iTunes If you enjoyed this podcast please be sure to subscribe on iTunes. Once you're a subscriber all new episodes will be downloaded to your iTunes account and smartphone. The easiest way for iPhone users to listen to the show is via the free, and incredible, Podcast app.  NEW! You can now follow the podcast on Spotify here.  You can also subscribe via Stitcher which is definitely Android friendly. What Do You Think? How else does the concept of motivation factor into continuous improvement?

When the family members running the family business comprise everyone from seasoned octogenarians to fresh-faced millennials, challenges arise that are not necessarily talked about in other industries.

This week's guest is Pete Kuehn. Ron and Pete discussed Pete's lean journey, including the effect lean has had on his personal life. A MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote that inspires Pete (2:03) Pete's background (2:58) How Pete got into continuous improvement (4:38) The lessons he learned growing up (5:48) Why companies go lean (10:46) How lean affected his relationship with his wife (13:13) Building trust (15:46) Showing respect (17:57) Pete's 9/11 story (26:13) Some of Pete's favorite books (28:10) Pete's advice for those who are struggling (29:16) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Download a Free Audio Book at Audible.com The Toyota Way The Goal Pete on LinkedIn Subscribe & Never Miss New Episodes! Click to Subscribe in iTunes If you enjoyed this podcast please be sure to subscribe on iTunes. Once you're a subscriber all new episodes will be downloaded to your iTunes account and smartphone. The easiest way for iPhone users to listen to the show is via the free, and incredible, Podcast app.  NEW! You can now follow the podcast on Spotify here.  You can also subscribe via Stitcher which is definitely Android friendly. What Do You Think? How has lean helped you in your personal life?

As business leaders, the way we respond to unforeseen issues and crises can put a spotlight on both strengths and vulnerabilities within our corporate practices, culture, and personal character.

This week's guest is Andy Reith. Ron and Andy discussed working at Toyota, the challenges small businesses face, and more. A MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote that inspires Andy (2:32) Andy's background (3:18) What Andy learned from working at Toyota (5:16) What Respect for People means to Andy (6:56) How Andy learned some of the lean tools (8:38) What Andy is up to these days (10:15) The challenges small businesses face (11:14) About Origin Maine (12:33) Some of the improvements Andy has seen (15:25) Andy's observations on strategy at small manufacturers (18:49) About his own andon system (24:07) Andy's advice (27:24) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Download a Free Audio Book at Audible.com Andy's Website Andy on LinkedIn Subscribe & Never Miss New Episodes! Click to Subscribe in iTunes If you enjoyed this podcast please be sure to subscribe on iTunes. Once you're a subscriber all new episodes will be downloaded to your iTunes account and smartphone. The easiest way for iPhone users to listen to the show is via the free, and incredible, Podcast app.  NEW! You can now follow the podcast on Spotify here.  You can also subscribe via Stitcher which is definitely Android friendly. What Do You Think? What are some of the other opportunities and challenges small manufacturers face?

This week's guest is Lauren Hisey. Ron and Lauren talked all about automation and artificial intelligence, what the future holds as far as continuous improvement goes, and more. A MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  Lauren's favorite quote (2:23) Lauren's background (2:34) What AI entails and how it can be leveraged in continuous improvement (4:35) How organizations can become rigid (7:42) How to fix it (9:04) Addressing fears related to AI (10:23) Examples of leveraging AI (12:37) Another example (16:35) How AI can fall short (18:40) Advice on getting started with AI (20:09) Advice for future generations (21:45) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Download a Free Audio Book at Audible.com Lauren's Website  Lauren on LinkedIn Subscribe & Never Miss New Episodes! Click to Subscribe in iTunes If you enjoyed this podcast please be sure to subscribe on iTunes. Once you're a subscriber all new episodes will be downloaded to your iTunes account and smartphone. The easiest way for iPhone users to listen to the show is via the free, and incredible, Podcast app.  NEW! You can now follow the podcast on Spotify here.  You can also subscribe via Stitcher which is definitely Android friendly. What Do You Think? How else can artificial intelligence and/or automation be leveraged in continuous improvement?

A Proactive Response First off, do not panic; you are not alone. Seek the advice of people you trust and then think things through Be proactive and respond, do not be Deal with what is in front of you and that which you have control over. Let the rest go. Worry and fear never solve []

IMEC and our partners are ready to serve you! The experts at IMEC have packaged the tools and resources you will need to survive current disruptions, while strengthening your business continuity plan:

By Amy Susan, Communications Manager To help manufacturers and businesses alike navigate the current health crisis, we are offering no-cost webinars to keep you focused, positive, informed, engaged, and productive. 

Written by Andrea Belk Olsen , MSC and CEO of Pragmadik. The coronavirus has transformed our world virtually overnight. Companies have had to change on a dime how they operate and communicate. While this is an incredibly serious situation, it's an opportunity for businesses to re-evaluate their approach to managing change going forward.

With a global pandemic of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus causing COVID-19) you can’t turn on the news without hearing about facemasks, respirators and how people can protect themselves from contracting the virus. Let’s take a look at the different types of masks available and how they can be used to protect individuals from contracting the virus. Some masks are more effective ... Read More

What is an essential business? Heres the full list “Considering the executive order initiated by Gov. Andrew Cuomo in order to prevent additional spread of coronavirus, the state’s Department of Economic Development compiled a list of essential business and industry in order to mitigate confusion of what is considered essential.” Read more Brooklyn distilleries shuttered by coronavirus now manufacturing hand ... Read More

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for COVID-19 By Lisa Derby Oden The news is full of reports of the shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) for dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the World Health Organization, industry and government have called on to increase manufacturing of these products by 40% to meet the rising global [] The post Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for COVID-19 appeared first on MassMEP .

The North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP) is building a database of companies with certain capabilities during this critical time. There are over 20 critical supplies needed to respond to COVID-19. If your company currently does or can quickly begin production, please complete this form. NCMEP will share this information with federal and state stakeholders [] Source

It’s nearly April, and April is the usual time for spring cleaning at my house. Since the word “clean” has taken on a whole new meaning for all of us, I decided to really dig deeply into old dark corners to tidy up and truly sanitize. When moving some old picture frames and clay pots aside, I found a resource that I’d forgotten about. Published in 1992 and written by Donald T. Phillips, the little paperback Lincoln on Leadership is a profound, timeless reminder of the simple yet effective things we can do, not only in times of trouble, but every day to build confidence and loyalty among our employees. (And I found it on Amazon for as little as a quarter! Now that’s a bargain.)

As business leaders who are dealing with uncertainty, the ability to remain calm during this time is an opportunity to strengthen your relationships with staff and clients for the long term. During my last webinar (link to recording) I shared my thoughts about leadership during uncertain times, based on my own experience working in manufacturing []

Regardless of what is going on in the world and within our community, company leaders must be able to effectively communicate when a quick response is needed. Here are three methods for communicating with your workforce in a timely and reliable manner:

The world is constantly changing, and businesses need to adapt to survive. They are struggling to attract and retain the employees they need. They are dealing with fierce competition and The post Navigating an Innovative World appeared first on NJMEP .

The Department of Labor has issued a new poster for the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. Employers must post this in their workplace. You can find the poster at this link: https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/posters/FFCRA_Poster_WH1422_Non-Federal.pdf

Part 3 of the Remote Work Best Practices series addresses concerns around creating telecommuting policies. Thank you to our partners, Greensfelder Attorneys at Law for their guidance.

Dear Small Business, Friends and Partners, In response to the COVID-19 National Emergency, the SBA Express Bridge Loan (EBL) Pilot Program has been modified and the term extended. The EBL Pilot Program is designed to supplement the Agency’s direct disaster loan capabilities and authorizes SBA Express Lenders to provide expedited SBA-guaranteed bridge loan financing on [] The post SBA EXPRESS BRIDGE LOANS now available in response to COVID-19 appeared first on MassMEP .