Increasing productivity

Many manufacturers have a hidden blind spot in their system: an inaccurate production speed target. Whether it originated from a machine spec sheet or an initial setup estimate, an outdated…

SMED (Single Minute Exchange of Die) is a foundational lean manufacturing methodology designed to reduce the time it takes to complete equipment changeovers as much as possible. By systematically converting…

If 2025 taught manufacturers anything, it’s that uncertainty isn’t going away. Trade policy shifts, rising costs, and rapid technological change created turbulence throughout the year for manufacturers worldwide. But 2026…

Manufacturing is often divided into two categories: discrete and process. The two are differentiated by the products they produce. Discrete manufacturing involves producing individual, countable products, whereas process manufacturing uses…

Production line efficiency isn’t just about output; it’s about agility, resilience, and staying ahead in a fast-moving market. Streamlined operations enable faster response to demand shifts, better resource utilization, and…

In manufacturing, data is one of the most valuable raw materials today, and like any raw material, it is valuable only when processed effectively. Imagine analytics in manufacturing as a…

As a manufacturer, you must continuously monitor and improve your operations, and that starts with tracking the right metrics. In this article, we explain how to choose the manufacturing KPIs…

Production monitoring is the systematic observation, tracking, and analysis of manufacturing processes, covering everything from machine uptime to energy consumption. This article offers a comprehensive overview, detailing the strategic, tactical,…

Lean manufacturing, at its core, is about maximizing value while minimizing waste. By systematically identifying and eliminating inefficiencies, manufacturers can improve their processes, reduce costs, and improve overall productivity. A…

“Visual Factory” is a lean manufacturing term that refers to the use of visual elements to convey information and data in a manufacturing environment. It includes an extensive set of…

5S is a lean manufacturing methodology designed to optimize workplace organization and efficiency. It helps manufacturers create clean, organized work environments that minimize waste and maximize productivity. In a well-run…

In the constantly changing business world, cloud-based OEE solutions are the answer to manufacturers’ questions regarding production monitoring. As part of the manufacturing digitalization process, the cloud model provides significant…

In manufacturing, time and efficiency are essential. One key component of time management is understanding how long your machines are working and how long they are stopped. A downtime report…

Our ROI calculator shows you the value of improving OEE. But exactly what should you do to improve it? Who needs to be involved? What tools and techniques should you…

In today’s fast-paced manufacturing world, staying ahead means going digital. This article dives into the essentials of digitalizing the process of manufacturing data collection, from what it is and why…

A guide to continuous improvement in manufacturing. Explore strategies and examples. Inspired by Kaizen, LEAN, Six Sigma, and more.

When it comes to manufacturing, time is money. The industry is dominated by the need for efficiency, where a few minutes of production delay can have significant financial implications. This…

Managing and reducing downtime is crucial for efficient production, especially given that unplanned downtime now costs Fortune Global 500 companies 11% of their yearly turnover, which is almost $1.5 trillion….

Investments in manufacturing are multi-faceted decisions that encompass more than just buying new machines. They can also involve increasing the Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) of your existing equipment. OEE is…

Downtime in the manufacturing industry is a costly affair. By implementing strategic measures, you can not only reduce machine downtime but also elevate your Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), resulting in…

Faced with a growing number of challenges, from ongoing supply chain disruption and rampant inflation, to increasingly expensive and more difficult to source raw materials, most manufacturing organizations need to…

The power of OEE as a manufacturing KPI stems from its inherent structure that captures the effectiveness of a manufacturing operation from multiple different perspectives. In our articles about OEE,…

The automotive and aerospace industries have long been leaders in using digitalization and automation to manage and optimize manufacturing quality control. In recent years, however, other manufacturers have begun to…

For decades the manufacturing industry has relied on paper for everything from engineering drawings and blueprints, to shipping labels, inventory lists, and production orders. And while paper has played a…

The average factory today is working at just 60% of its potential capacity. That is according to a recent CB Insights research brief. Because of this, more and more manufacturers…

Technology is reshaping how businesses operate on a day-to-day basis. Major companies are focusing on cost-effective automation processes, improving product quality and simplifying equipment maintenance. This technological shift has enabled…

In our article on the importance of lean continuous improvement (LCI), you learned the advantages of LCI success. In this one, we explain the top six most reported challenges in…

In our article, the importance of lean continuous improvement you learned about the origins and benefits of continuous improvement and that PDCA is the core of Kaizen. But what specific…

The importance of lean continuous improvement (LCI) is the extent to which it has transformed the way that manufacturers operate. The mindset that lean continuous improvement embodies drives ever-higher performance…

Welcome to Evocons’ Lean Six Sigma DMAIC project example. Here you can learn more about the five phases of DMAIC by following an example project. Getting Started This article serves…