Balancing Lean Operations, Human Innovation & Efficiency

Balancing Lean Operations, Human Innovation & Efficiency

On October 1, 1908, years before the term lean operations existed, came arguably the most important operational advancement in industrial history: the Model T Ford began rolling off of Ford’s assembly line. By prioritizing efficiency in product fabrication over the...
Cross-Training and Employee Engagement in Manufacturing

Cross-Training and Employee Engagement in Manufacturing

In manufacturing, keeping employees engaged and motivated at work is of critical importance to overall productivity. The task has proven to be a sizable challenge for many American companies. At IRD Glass, our employees are cross trained, specialized and ready to...
A Hopeful Vision for Manufacturing and Automation

A Hopeful Vision for Manufacturing and Automation

The manufacturing and automation trend in U.S. companies can be characterized more as one of collaboration than of replacement. Robots are being designed to enhance human capabilities and boost their effectiveness, not to replace them. For example, PwC writes in their...

The Dangers of Spec Creep and 4 Ways to Manage it

Spec creep, when a product’s actual specifications drift over time from those set down on paper, is any manufacturer’s nightmare. It leads to reduced quality, lost confidence and lost customers. So how can you avoid it? Cell-Based Manufacturing Eliminates Spec Creep...

The Real Benefits of Corporate Giving

One of the many privileges of running a business is the opportunity to give back to your community in a meaningful way. Every single day, businesses share their success by donating money, donating products, volunteering hours and engaging in other charitable outreach...