Manufacturing accounts track financial information for individual items needed to produce goods or services. Accounts include raw materials, direct labor, overhead, work in process, finished goods, and cost of goods sold. Each account represents a different step in the production process. A manufacturing account is an accounting tool that keeps financial information on record. There […]
Lean manufacturing waste includes wasted material, avoidable downtime, inaccurate matching of resources to tasks, unproductive activities, and overproduction. Manufacturing defects and operator errors can also cause waste. Planned downtime is preferred to reduce personnel costs, while unplanned downtime results in more waste. Unproductive activities can involve unnecessary movement or tasks not part of the production […]
Gear manufacturing involves making gears from various materials for use in different products and industries. The process includes gear forming, cutting, and finishing. Gear manufacturers can produce custom or bulk orders for industries such as aerospace, automotive, mechanical, and medical. Gear manufacturing is the process of manufacturing gears from many different types of material, including […]
Medical device manufacturing produces equipment for medical diagnosis and treatment, tightly regulated due to the potential harm of device failure. Products must be approved by regulatory agencies before sale, and can include a wide range of equipment. Companies may sell directly to hospitals or through medical equipment suppliers, and trade associations work to promote safety […]
Lean and agile manufacturing differ in manufacturing style, inventory levels, and customization capabilities. Lean relies on manual labor and mass assembly lines, while agile uses automation and modular pieces. Lean requires high inventory storage, while agile uses standardized parts to reduce supply levels. Customizing a lean product is expensive and interrupts production, while agile can […]
Agile manufacturing focuses on meeting customer needs while controlling costs and maintaining high quality standards. It is related to lean manufacturing but adds the idea of meeting customer demands quickly. Companies using agile manufacturing have strong networks and can quickly adapt to changing market forces. The goal is to stay ahead of the competition and […]
Agile manufacturing uses modular parts and automation to increase customer satisfaction by enabling faster and more customized production. It reduces inventory levels and costs, but requires extensive preparation and a high initial investment. Many companies are adopting this strategy to meet consumer demand for instant gratification. Agile manufacturing is an enterprise manufacturing strategy that uses […]
Virtual manufacturing uses computer programs to create 3D models, saving time and materials. It also helps with faster production, lower tooling expenses, and fewer errors. This approach gives upper management a better idea of the final product and can give facilities a competitive edge. Virtual manufacturing uses computers and design programs to assist in creating […]
Contract manufacturing services involve outsourcing a company’s manufacturing process to a subcontractor. Types include electronic, pharmaceutical, and medical contract manufacturing. Contract manufacturing agencies can help companies find the right subcontractor. The design and ownership of the product still reside with the original company. Contract manufacturing services refer to the outsourcing of part or all of […]
Digital manufacturing uses computer technology to produce products with minimal human involvement. It offers companies the ability to develop prototypes and customize the production process. It is used by various industries and allows for efficient energy use and minimal material waste. Products are produced at a faster rate and complicated design systems can be processed […]
5S manufacturing is a lean practice that aims to improve workplace safety, productivity, and product quality. The five steps, starting with “S,” are seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu, and shitsuke. The steps involve sorting, arranging, cleaning, standardizing, and sustaining the workplace. The practice is used globally in both manufacturing and non-manufacturing organizations. 5S manufacturing is a […]
Just-in-time production reduces costs by minimizing in-process inventory with visual cues. It improves quality and efficiency, and has been used in the automotive industry since Henry Ford’s time. Toyota modified the process, leading to higher productivity rates and reduced risk. However, it relies on accurate demand forecasts, or else it could lead to problems with […]
Computer aided manufacturing (CAM) uses computer technology to automate and control the manufacturing process, resulting in greater accuracy, consistency, and ease of customization. CAM systems can also automate resource management and integrate with computer aided design (CAD) systems. While CAM may change the nature of manufacturing jobs, human workers are still necessary for tasks such […]
Contract manufacturing is when one company manufactures parts or materials for another company, handling ordering and shipping. This model can be used in various industries, with the manufacturer convincing the customer of quality and cost savings. Advantages include stable jobs and no need for the customer to purchase facilities or hire employees. Contract manufacturing can […]
Lean manufacturing is a strategy that aims to increase productivity while minimizing inventories. It involves placing small inventories called kanbans in strategic locations around the assembly line, reducing waste, and improving quality. Workers are empowered, and suppliers collaborate closely to facilitate the rapid flow of products and parts. Lean manufacturing saves money, reduces lead times, […]
Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) encompasses various automation technologies, including numerical control machines, industrial robots, and flexible manufacturing systems. CAM software can design, tool, and monitor the manufacturing process, and even track inventory and order replacement parts. CAM technology has evolved to automate the entire manufacturing process, with the exception of computer programmers and operators. Computer-aided manufacturing […]
Custom manufacturing creates unique products based on customer specifications, using specialized equipment and materials. It is a branch of lean manufacturing that relies on customer orders and just-in-time production. Benefits include higher inventory turnover and the ability to keep pace with technological changes, but it requires a high initial investment and may result in higher […]
Manufacturing equipment can create or assemble goods, with three types: creating, assembling, and assisting. Equipment varies by industry, with milling machines, molding machines, presses, lathes, planes, and spot welders being common. Assembly involves direct human interaction with robotic or human workers performing specific tasks. Manufacturing equipment is used in the creation or assembly of a […]
Batch manufacturing involves producing items in groups, with each group undergoing the same process before moving to the next stage. This method is used for similar items with variations and can be inefficient due to downtime between batches. Examples include baking cookies and coating materials. Manufacturers of everything from cakes to computer chips have many […]
Assembly line manufacturing has benefits such as cost reduction and uniformity, but also drawbacks like inferior build quality and inflexible facilities. It eliminated problems of previous methods, but requires high capital investment and can lead to staffing issues due to repetitive work. The invention of assembly line manufacturing has led to many different benefits, but […]
