Engineering and Design/Drafting

The creation of CAD blurred a line in the last century. Prior to CAD, engineers would make drawings if they really, absolutely had no choice. The separation of drafter/designer and engineer was important for two big reasons – first, the engineer was responsible for the safety and effectiveness of the end product and needed toContinue reading “Engineering and Design/Drafting”

Killer Kaizen

Folks may not be clear on Kaizen. If you read the original books that came here from Japan trying to explain to the West what ‘magic’ Japan has been using to beat the Big 3 (this was a while ago, so you are forgiven if this doesn’t ring a bell) you will not find instructionsContinue reading “Killer Kaizen”

5th S – Sustain (Shitsuke)

Consistency is a problem. Not just in engineering, but universally – finding ways to do something the same way every time is tricky. Trying to get a group to accomplish this feat is even trickier. It takes weeks of practice to get a marching band to look – and sound – as polished as theyContinue reading “5th S – Sustain (Shitsuke)”

Important tools – 5S

Where did 5S come from? What is the purpose? Why is this not taught in college? It’s fun researching the roots of 5S. Some websites suggest the core fundamentals are traced back to Italy in the 1500’s. That aside, the structured practice of the five elements – Seiri, Seiton, Seiso, Seiketsu, Shitsuke – reportedly cameContinue reading “Important tools – 5S”