Hi Gemba Community! This week I'll be sharing a personal story that ties in to present day realities. I might be what you would call a "zealot" for authenticity. Nothing turns my stomach more than meeting someone who has read all the latest sales strategy books and from the minute you meet them, is trying to manipulate you. Or the odd propensity of the internet, to … [Read more...]
FMG No. 20 – Imagining a Different Future
Manufacturing plays an incredibly critical role in shaping the future success of nations around the world. Here in the USA, we are poised to change what that future might look like. Nearly 30 years ago, I was inspired by computer games. Games by Id Software and Blizzard captured my attention for days, weeks, months on end. The silver lining was early on (e.g. the Doom days). … [Read more...]
FMG No. 18 – Would You Attend a Smart Manufacturing Retreat?
Hello Gemba Community! This week, I’m keeping it short and sweet. I would love your input as I explore the idea of in-person events tied to the world of Smart Manufacturing and personal development. Would you be interested in attending something like a: weekend retreat with practical workshops. focused 1-day mastermind session. multi-day conference with … [Read more...]
FMG No. 17 – AI as a Tool for Professional Development
I recently merged another topic into our website, Getting Started with AI in Manufacturing. If AI is new to you, that article is geared towards reluctant, casual and other people looking to get started using LLMs such as ChatGPT, Claude, or Grok3. Knowing the manufacturing community has some very sensitive issues around trade secrets, controlled materials, etc. I emphasized … [Read more...]
FMG No. 16 – How Experimentation Fuels Innovation
I recently needed to get a fix, it's been a while since I built anything (physical). I've been pretty active with software, thanks to AI, but my long tenure of building prototypes and tinkering with electronics has been on vacation. We've continued to build and improve upon our smart edge technology, however Pete and Kevin have been doing most of the heavy lifting. I decided … [Read more...]