The Manufacturing Stream: Recent Episodes
Eric Whitley and Phil Anderson
The Manufacturing Stream podcast focuses on manufacturing. With news, stories, and techniques that are affecting processes around the world. Phil and Eric bring their experience, insight, and knowledge to discuss all things manufacturing, manufacturing 4.0, lean, and digital transformation. From their days as hourly employees on the production floor at Autoliv, to their days years later leading and consulting for organizations around the world, they bring an unparalleled amount of knowledge not found on any other manufacturing podcast. "In our podcast, we want to teach manufacturing professionals how to navigate the constant stream of challenges that face transformation of factory processes and technology".
Did you know that 93% of manufacturers we surveyed had taken steps to reduce downtime?
Well how about the fact that only 43% reported that these measures were effective?
Downtime happens in manufacturing, it's a fact of the industry. But reducing your unplanned downtime (and improving your planned downtime) is one of the highest ROI actions that teams can take on the shop floor.
In this episode, we're joined by our own Annika Björkholm and Eric Whitley to take a deep dive into our brand new 2025 Downtime Report - where we ask more than 600 manufacturing professionals:
❓Why do you struggle with downtime?
❓What are you doing to fix it?
❓And how much is it really costing you?
Find the answers, and much more, in the report.
You can download it here: https://hubs.li/Q03MWwSB0
l2l.com
Youtube: @leading2lean
A good process is...
One that involves everyone using it. Seems simple enough, but designing effective processes for manufacturing demands a winning combination of experience, empathy, and iterative thinking.
This episode of Manufacturing Stream features Tom Williams, Head of Design and Process Engineering at Pandrol, and L2L CMMS/MES Implementation Consultant Michael Hurd. Both have decades of experience leading teams and improving processes on the shop floor.
Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:
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How to build an effective process and generate frontline buy-in
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The art of balancing effiency and labor costs in manufacturing
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How standardization drives quality
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How solving process hangups often starts with the frontline
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The similarities and many, many differences in process design between a modular housing start up and a global industrial supply chain
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How implementing better tech takes buy-in and a good set of ears (and eyes)
Key moments:
00:00 Introduction to Manufacturing Experts
05:48 Global Challenges in Manufacturing
11:37 Flexibility in Production Processes
17:01 Defining Effective Processes
23:05 Process Improvement Strategies
24:32 Diverse Processes Across Manufacturing Locations
26:17 Memorable Problem-Solving Experiences
26:54 Learning from Failures in Maintenance Planning
28:52 Comparing Startups and Established Companies
31:26 Building a Maintenance Team from Scratch
35:11 Engaging Teams in Process Improvement
36:47 Implementing Better Tech in Manufacturing
42:46 Measuring ROI
Make sure to subscribe for more content about reducing downtime and improving your processes on the shop floor!
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Youtube: @leading2lean
From the manufacturing Reddit community to our podcast: we have Lean experts Mohsin Saeed and Eric Whitley react to the best threads from the past couple of months.
We explore everything from improving shift handoffs to dealing with overworked maintenance technicians.
🧠 Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:
- Effective systems are crucial for smooth handoffs in manufacturing.
- Data-driven decision-making is essential for identifying root causes of issues.
- How skills gap in manufacturing often lies in troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
- Lean philosophy should be ingrained in the culture of your organization.
📍 00:00 Introduction
03:08 Story 1 - Getting handoffs right
14:47 Story 2 - The problem with Lean transitions
27:37 Story 3 - Unhappy technicians and a friendly wager
40:07 Story 4 - Who's responsibility is it, anyways?
🎧 Make sure to subscribe for more content about reducing downtime and improving your efficiency on the shop floor!
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Youtube: @leading2lean
Welcome back to the Manufacturing Stream Podcast! This week we dive into downtime - and how to beat it with better maintenance strategies. This episode features your host Eric Whitley and Joel Cook, Maintenance and Automation Manager at ChampionX.
🧠 Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:
- How a proactive maintenance approach can significantly reduce downtime
- Why collaboration between maintenance and operations enhances overall efficiency
- How to minimize downtime with more effective spare parts management
- Why engaging technicians in the documentation process improves accuracy and efficiency
- How to navigate common staffing challenges in maintenance
- And much, much more
📍 00:00 Introduction
01:29 Joel Cooke's Journey in Maintenance Management
04:04 Evolving Maintenance Philosophy: From Reactive to Proactive
06:31 Implementing Continuous Improvement in Maintenance
09:54 Enhancing Communication and Collaboration
12:17 Documenting Processes and Continuous Improvement
14:38 Managing Spare Parts and Equipment
16:21 Understanding Downtime: Causes and Impacts
18:40 Navigating Staffing Challenges in Maintenance
21:00 Understanding Downtime and Operator Skills
22:13 Implementing Total Productive Maintenance (TPM)
25:18 Capturing Minor Stops and Operator Engagement
26:22 Future Plans with L2L and Operational Availability
30:22 Overcoming Challenges in Technology Implementation
🎧 Make sure to subscribe for more content about reducing downtime and improving your efficiency on the shop floor!
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Youtube: @leading2lean
The Manufacturing Stream Podcast, your go-to source for insights into the latest in manufacturing technology and innovation.
Hosted by Chris Rost, we’re excited to bring you some of the best conversations in manufacturing - from the factory floor to the board room.
This episode features manufacturing tech expert Willemijn Schneyder, as she reacts to some of the most profound takeaways from our 2025 Manufacturing Skills Report.
We explore AI, Automation, and the needs of the frontline workforce across a number of roles in the manufacturing workforce.
🧠 Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:
- How AI and Automation can help reverse the skills gap
- Why a lot of our training methods aren’t landing in 2025
- How deep the skills gap really goes
- Why some manufacturers are hesitating to deploy upskilling strategies
- And much, much more
📍 00:00 Introduction
03:04 Demographics and Generational Insights
05:55 Preparedness for AI and Automation
08:54 Understanding AI’s Role in Manufacturing
12:04 Statistics on AI Impact in Manufacturing
15:02 Simplification and Acceleration of Processes
17:59 Data Literacy and Skills Gaps
20:50 Future Skills and Workforce Development
21:47 The Role of AI in Manufacturing
24:39 Real-Time Analytics: The Missing Link
27:33 Addressing the Skills Gap in Manufacturing
30:08 Transforming Training Approaches
34:33 Engagement and Retention in the Workforce
39:54 The Importance of Communication Skills
👉 Download your free copy of the 2025 Manufacturing Skills Report here:https://www.l2l.com/resources/research-report-2025
🎧 Like, subscribe, and share for more deep dives into the future of manufacturing!
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The Manufacturing Stream Podcast, your go-to source for insights into the latest in manufacturing technology and innovation.
Hosted by Chris Rost and Eric Whitley, we’re excited to bring you some of the best conversations in manufacturing - from the factory floor to the board room. This episode also features manufacturing expert Jim Mayer - Founder of The Manufacturing Connector.
Eric and Jim have decades of experience at the manufacturing frontline - today we'll get their takes on data from L2L's new 2025 Manufacturing Skills Report.
🧠 Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:
- Just how serious the growing skills gap is in manufacturing
- Our responsibility to engage a new generation of workers
- How soft skills contribute to the manufacturing skills gap
- The amount of investment in upskilling is less than you think!
- The role of AI and Automation in manufacturing skills
- And much more...
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Youtube: @leading2lean
The Manufacturing Stream Podcast, your go-to source for insights into the latest in manufacturing technology and innovation.
Hosted by Chris Rost and Eric Whitley, we’re excited to bring you some of the best conversations in manufacturing - from the factory floor to the board room.
This episode features experts Jason Anthoine (manufacturing culture expert and founder of Employee Experienced) and our very own Willemijn Schneyder (frontline advocate and L2L CSO).
This episode takes a deep dive into how we should shape our approach to delivering manufacturing tech to those who need it the most - the frontline teams who use it every day.
🧠 Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:
- Why human connection is still top of the list in Industry 5.0
- How modern tech can simplify tasks - or how bad tech can make them more complex
- How empowered, confident teams adapt to new tools more easily
- Why cultural shifts are necessary to retain skilled workers in manufacturing
- Success stories from major companies show effective strategies for boosting retention through engagement
- And much, much more
📌 00:00 Introduction
04:42 Understanding Turnover in Manufacturing
09:05 The Human Side of Employee Retention
13:31 Shifting Strategies for Manufacturing Leadership
18:09 Cultural Impact on Manufacturing Careers
22:08 Pride in Craftsmanship
26:41 Intentional Leadership and Employee Retention
28:25 Leveraging Technology for Frontline Workers
31:41 The Role of Confidence in Technology Adoption
36:36 Future Challenges
👉 Check out Employee Experienced https://www.jasonanthoine.com/ to keep learning from culture expert Jason Anthoine.
👉Visit https://hubs.li/Q03bLgr50 to explore how the #1 connected workforce platform can digitize your daily management processes. Sign up for a free demo today!
🎧 Like, subscribe, and share for more deep dives into the future of manufacturing!
ManufacturingPodcast #IndustrialTransformation # #ContinuousImprovement #L2L #ShopFloorInnovation #training #employeeengagement #employeedevelopment
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The Manufacturing Stream Podcast, your go-to source for insights into the latest in manufacturing technology and innovation.
Hosted by Chris Rost and Eric Whitley, we’re excited to bring you some of the best conversations in manufacturing - from the factory floor to the board room.
This episode features experts Jim Mayer - manufacturing culture expert and founder of The Manufacturing Connector - and our very own Co-Host Eric Whitley.
They have a combined 50+ years of experience as leaders in the industry, and together they’ll explore how re-thinking employee development can reduce turnover and improve short-term and long-term engagement for the people working at the frontline.
🧠 Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:
- How understanding the human side of turnover is essential for retention.
- That career pathing and clear growth opportunities are vital for employee engagement.
- Why cultural shifts are necessary to retain skilled workers in manufacturing.
- How technology can play a significant role in empowering frontline workers.
- That success stories from major companies show effective strategies for boosting retention through engagement.
- And much, much more.
📌 00:00 Introduction
04:42 Understanding Turnover in Manufacturing
09:05 The Human Side of Employee Retention
13:31 Shifting Strategies for Manufacturing Leadership
18:09 Cultural Impact on Manufacturing Careers
22:08 Pride in Craftsmanship
26:41 Intentional Leadership and Employee Retention
28:25 Leveraging Technology for Frontline Workers
31:41 The Role of Confidence in Technology Adoption
36:36 Addressing Turnover and Future Challenges
👉 Check out The Manufacturing Connector at https://themfgconnector.com/ to keep learning from culture expert Jim Mayer.
👉 Visit https://hubs.li/Q03bLgr50 to explore how the #1 connected workforce platform can digitize your daily management processes. Sign up for a free demo today!
🎧 Like, subscribe, and share for more deep dives into the future of manufacturing!
ManufacturingPodcast #IndustrialTransformation # #ContinuousImprovement #L2L #ShopFloorInnovation #training #employeeengagement #employeedevelopment
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Youtube: @leading2lean
🎙️ The Manufacturing Stream Podcast, your go-to source for insights into the latest in manufacturing technology and innovation!
Hosted by Chris Rost, Creative Content Manager at L2L. We're here to bring you some of the best conversations in manufacturing, from the factory floor to the board room.
This episode features David Rogers, AI and ML expert and founder of Exponential Industry, as well as our very own Frontline Advocate and Product Wizard, Willemijn Schneyder. They'll explore how the recent boom in AI technology is poised to shake things up for modern manufacturers. Yes, new tech makes things faster, smarter, and more transparent - but staying connected to the human elements of your frontline workforce is more important than ever before.
Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:
- How AI can simplify task execution for frontline workers
- The ins and outs of AI-enhanced training
- Where many manufacturers go wrong when implementing AI solutions
- How AI is poised to augment decision-making and troubleshooting
- And much more!
📌 00:00 Introduction to Frontline Shorts and Guests
03:30 The Impact of AI on Manufacturing
11:28 AI's Role in Augmenting Frontline Workers
17:19 Common Pitfalls in AI Implementation
23:14 The Importance of Human Interaction in Tech Adoption
29:14 Future Trends in AI and Manufacturing
👉Check out https://www.doclrogers.com/ to subscribe to the Exponential Industry newsletter, and never miss a beat when it comes to manufacturing tech
👉 Visit https://hubs.li/Q03bLgr50 to explore how the #1 connected workforce platform can digitize your daily management processes. Sign up for a free demo today!
🎧 Like, subscribe, and share for more deep dives into the future of manufacturing!
ManufacturingPodcast #IndustrialTransformation # #ContinuousImprovement #L2L #ShopFloorInnovation #AI #machinelearning
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Youtube: @leading2lean
The Manufacturing Stream Podcast, your go-to source for insights into the latest in manufacturing technology and innovation!
Hosted by Chris Rost, Creative Content Manager at L2L, we're bringing you cutting-edge discussions from the factory floor to the boardroom.
This episode features L2L's very own Mohsin Saeed - problem solver and manufacturing expert with more than a decade in the industry. He'll be talking us through some of the most common causes of expensive line stoppages in manufacturing, and how to fix them quickly
and effectively.
Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:
- The most common causes of line stoppages in manufacturing
- The impact they have in terms of money, productivity, and morale
- How leaders can leverage actionable data to prevent and rectify line stoppages
- The positive impact of a CMMS
- How understanding the human element of your frontline will reduce stoppages
00:00 Introductions and welcome
02:31 Understanding the impact
04:43 Common causes
07:39 The human element
10:17 Strategies to reduce line stoppages
13:20 Examples and anecdotes
Visit https://hubs.li/Q03bLgr50 to explore how the #1 connected workforce platform can digitize your daily management processes. Sign up for a free demo today!
Like, subscribe, and share for more deep dives into the future of manufacturing!
ManufacturingPodcast #IndustrialTransformation # #ContinuousImprovement #L2L #ShopFloorInnovation
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Youtube: @leading2lean
Welcome to the Manufacturing Stream Podcast with your host, Eric Whitley, Director of Manufacturing Solutions at L2L. In this episode, Eric sits down with his longtime friend and TPM expert, Ellis New, also known as Hillbilly.
With nearly four decades of experience in Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), Ellis and Eric have trained thousands of manufacturing professionals, implementing TPM strategies in plants across the world. Today, they’re diving deep into what makes TPM work, why maintenance is more than just a department, and how digital tools are transforming the way companies achieve zero failure reliability.
Listen in as they discuss:
- The true role of maintenance in manufacturing success
- Why training frontline workers is critical to reducing downtime
- How data and digital tools are changing the game for TPM
- The biggest mistakes companies make when trying to improve productivity
- Lessons from teaching 50,000+ people the principles of TPM
It’s a conversation packed with insights, stories, and practical advice for anyone in the industry.
Want to learn more about digitizing your TPM program? Visit L2L.com or reach out to eric.whitley@l2l.com.
To connect with Ellis New, email enew@centurylink.net or call (864) 929-5899.
Hit follow and join us for more conversations on manufacturing, reliability, and continuous improvement.
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Youtube: @leading2lean
In this episode of The Manufacturing Stream Podcast, host Eric Whitley, Director of Industrial Transformation at L2L, welcomes a special guest, Chris Brown, VP of Sales at CADDi. Together, they explore how AI and innovative tools are transforming the manufacturing industry, from reshoring efforts to bridging the skilled labor gap.
Chris shares insights into CADDi's cutting-edge technology that integrates rich contextual data into engineering drawings, empowering manufacturers to optimize processes, reduce waste, and accelerate timelines. They discuss real-world applications of AI, including shape recognition and contextual search, and how these tools make onboarding easier for the next generation of workers.
Key topics include:
- How AI-driven tools like CADDi and L2L are modernizing shop floor operations.
- The role of data and digital transformation in improving quality, safety, and production efficiency.
- Addressing the skilled labor shortage and empowering workers with innovative technologies.
- The exciting future of manufacturing, including reshoring and automation.
Plus, Chris shares his thoughts on how AI supports continuous improvement by eliminating waste and enabling smarter decisions, making the industry more innovative and competitive.
📢 Don’t miss this episode full of actionable insights and forward-thinking strategies!
💡 Mentioned in this episode:
Visit L2L.com to learn about the #1 connected workforce platform and sign up for a free demo.
Learn more about CADDi and their AI-powered solutions at us.caddi.com.
🎙️ Tune in now and join the conversation about how manufacturing is being transformed for the better!
ManufacturingPodcast #IndustrialTransformation #AIInManufacturing #ContinuousImprovement #L2L #CADDi #Reshoring #Innovation #ManufacturingInsights
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Youtube: @leading2lean
In this episode of the Manufacturing Stream Podcast, host Eric Whitley tackles a critical issue in the industry: Why are talented professionals walking away from manufacturing? To explore this, Eric welcomes a special guest—his son, Brandon Whitley.
Brandon shares his journey through manufacturing, from assembling products on the line to becoming a continuous improvement specialist, and ultimately leaving the industry. Together, they discuss:
- The challenges of driving change in traditional manufacturing environments
- The impact of pay, culture, and work-life balance on retention
- Why outdated processes and resistance to innovation push workers away
- Lessons for building an engaged, motivated workforce
This episode offers a firsthand perspective on the challenges and opportunities in modern manufacturing, making it a must-listen for leaders, operators, and anyone passionate about the future of the industry.
Brought to you by L2L, the #1 connected workforce platform.
🎧 Tune in on your favorite podcast platform!
🌐 Learn more about L2L at L2L.com.
📲 Follow Eric Whitley on LinkedIn for more insights.
Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share!
ManufacturingPodcast #WorkforceRetention #ContinuousImprovement #L2L #FutureOfWork
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AI is dominating the thought process within manufacturing. But most of the brain power being spent on this topic centers on how to have a practical application of this technology so that it enhances the Availability, Performance and Quality of the factory floor.
In this episode we discuss the practical application of AI and how it can be used to remove wasted time and motion in the day to day lives of factory workers.
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Youtube: @leading2lean
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Joe Resko, Vice President of Operations for Worthington Enterprises joins Eric as a guest in a new L2L webinar. Eric shares this webinar on this podcast. Joe and Eric discuss the findings of L2L's report on What is Holding Manufacturing Back in 2024 and how Worthington is using L2L and its Connected Workforce solution to solve the the labor crisis facing manufacturing.
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Youtube: @leading2lean
Press Release:
L2L Acquires SwipeGuide: The Future of the Connected Workforce Is Here
Subhead: L2L is shaping the future of the frontline. The industrial software company acquired SwipeGuide to create an end-to-end connected workforce solution to drive manufacturing performance at scale.
SALT LAKE CITY & AMSTERDAM — September 4, 2024:
L2L, the global leader in connected workforce solutions, announced the acquisition of SwipeGuide, a European trailblazer in mobile-first frontline training and visual job aids for the manufacturing workforce. SwipeGuide enhances L2L’s training and skills management capabilities, offering an intuitive solution for capturing and distributing critical operational knowledge on the factory floor in a collaborative way.
With the addition of SwipeGuide to its product portfolio, L2L is better positioned to support its customers’ frontline training and upskilling efforts — a need underscored by the ongoing shortage of skilled manufacturing employees. SwipeGuide customers, on average, have realized a 50% reduction in training time, directly impacting their bottom line.
The acquisition is driven by a shared vision: to simplify operations and empower the frontline workforce by creating one simple shop floor app to guide teams through their day-to-day activities across lines, shifts, and sites to improve performance.
“SwipeGuide adds tremendous value to the L2L Platform,” said L2L CEO John Davagian. “Now, our customers can reap the benefits not only of actionable manufacturing data at their fingertips but also a powerful frontline training solution that helps every worker perform like a seasoned pro. This combination is a huge step forward for connected workforce technology.”
SwipeGuide’s founder and CEO, Willemijn Schneyder, added, “I’m proud that SwipeGuide is renowned for developing simple and collaborative applications that help frontline teams excel. By uniting L2L and SwipeGuide, we’re creating a single, powerful platform that enables every frontline employee to drive better business decisions, perform at their best, and remove the stigma from skilled trades. Simply put, with the new platform, customers can easily digitize and orchestrate who needs to do what, where, when, why, and how.”
This addition to the L2L platform will help global manufacturers make greater strides in operational availability, manufacturing performance, product quality, and workforce enablement:
- Bridging skills gaps: L2L now helps leaders identify, develop, and certify the right person for the job — from maintenance and repairs to quality inspections. By closing skills gaps, businesses can ensure their teams are equipped to meet the evolving demands of manufacturing operations and prevent disruptions.
- Optimizing workforce efficiency: With SwipeGuide’s visual, mobile-first work instructions and checklists, frontlines have the resources they need to win the day. L2L’s “Dispatch” functionality enhances task visibility and streamlines workflows to drive higher-quality products, compliance, and operational availability.
- Enabling data-driven decision-making: All of the data generated in L2L powers manufacturing intelligence. Through artificial intelligence, business intelligence, and automation intelligence, L2L identifies disruptions, delivers insights, and automates action. This helps frontline teams work more efficiently and improve productivity.
Together, L2L and SwipeGuide will continue to deliver on their commitment to supporting frontline teams with effective, scalable, and user-centric connected workforce tools to profitably meet the ever-growing demands globally.
"Having our employees engaged and with tools that can help them every day is key. The better prepared they are, the
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In this weeks episode of The Manufacturing Stream Podcast, Eric welcomes in as guest Scott Springer from Chelwood Consulting. The discussion this week centers on Scott's approach to improvement and leadership in his career as a manufacturing leader.
About our guest:
Scott is an accomplished Executive Consultant and President of Chelwood Consulting Group, where he provides strategic leadership to revitalize underperforming organizations and enhance business operations. He specializes in manufacturing, logistics, eCommerce, and human resource management, with a focus on long-term performance and profitability. At Petformance, he launched freeze-dried nutritional meals for canines, adding a new revenue stream to his consulting firm. Previously, Scott served as Vice President of Operations at Vital Proteins, achieving over 460% revenue growth. He also led significant projects at Omega Protein, improving production capacity by over 600%. Scott holds an MBA from UC Riverside and a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy.
l2l.com
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In this episode of The Manufacturing Stream Podcast Eric has Maureen Fahey of Productivity talks about her days when JIT and Lean started in the West. Working as a young assistant to Norman Bodek, Maureen tells stories of the days when Dr. Shigeo Shingo would visit the United States and Maureen was there during these visit.
Maureen also expounds on when SMED and TPM were introduced to Western manufacturers in the early days of JIT.
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In this episode of the Manufacturing Stream Podcast Eric interviews Maureen Fahey. Maureen was at the epicenter of the introduction of JIT and Lean Manufacturing to the West in the early 80's.
From her years as an office assistant to Norman Bodek to eventually owning the very company Norman Bodek started (Productivity Inc.) Maureen discusses the early days when Shegeo Shingo would come to the West to teach hi revolutionary SMED concept and change the way manufacturing was done.
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In this episode, Eric & Phil welcome into the studio Tyler Whitiker, CTO and Co-founder of L2L, to discuss the future of AI in manufacturing and how companies should be using the technology to solve the labor crisis facing Manufacturing.
In recent blog post, Tyler has helped explain how manufacturers should be using technology to free up much needed resources, especiall when it comes to labor utilization on the factory floor.
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In this episode Eric interviews Mike Pierce COO of Honeyville Inc and Co-host and new VP of Information Technology at Honeyville, Inc. Phil Anderson as they discuss why Honeyville has chosen L2L as their Connected Workforce Platform and why Mike has chosen L2L to be his system at four separate companies.
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In this weeks episode, Eric, Malcolm and James Wells from LNS Research discuss Unified Performance Excellence. Unified Performance Excellence (UPX), is a modern approach to industrial performance management that integrates advanced digital tools and methodologies into traditional operational improvement processes. This framework seeks to enhance operational agility, flexibility, and resiliency by leveraging digital technologies like AI, machine learning, and digital twins within a connected and intelligent risk management system.
At the 2024 Connected Workforce Summit presented by L2L, James will be a guest speaker talking about how UPX represents a significant shift towards integrating industrial operations with digital transformation initiatives, aiming to not only sustain but enhance operational performance through intelligent, data-driven methodologies
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In recent years, the manufacturing sector has been swept up in the wave of Industry 4.0, a revolutionary movement that promises to meld physical production and operations with smart digital technology, machine learning, and big data. The goal of this movement is to create a more holistic and better-connected process for industrial companies.
Industry 4.0 has been hailed as the future of manufacturing, offering the potential for significantly increased productivity, efficiency, and flexibility, there’s a growing concern that its implementation is faltering. However, a closer examination suggests that this may be largely because companies have neglected a fundamental principle that has always been at the heart of manufacturing excellence: continuous improvement.
In this episode of The Manufacturing Stream podcast Eric & Phil discuss the shortcomings of industry 4.0 and why organizations need to concentrate on continuous improvement to make 4.0 effective.
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Welcome to a unique edition of The Manufacturing Stream Podcast, where your hosts, Eric Whitley and our special guest co-host Malcolm Faulds from L2L, sit down with the legendary Kyle Petty. Today, we're diving into Kyle's extraordinary journey, growing up amidst the royalty of racing. He shares with us tales from the track and highlights from his biography, "Swerve or Die," offering an inside look at the lives of NASCAR's elites. Join us as we explore the intriguing similarities between the worlds of manufacturing and racing, discussing everything from motivating team members to skill development and leadership. It's a conversation packed with insights, memories, and a shared passion for excellence. Don't miss out on this thrilling episode!
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You don’t always have to overhaul your processes to improve them. Sometimes, digitizing them is all you need to do.
In this episode of The Manufacturing Stream, Eric and Phil talk to Alex Pacheco, Director of Operational Excellence and Reliability at Dart Container, about the dramatic process improvements he’s seen since implementing L2L. Whether it’s swapping whiteboards for screens or last week’s handwritten notes for real-time data, Alex offers a wealth of insights into how L2L has boosted shop floor efficiency while empowering workers to take action. Moving from a paper-based system to a digital one has helped the company cut waste, solve problems faster, and foster a spirit of winning and collaboration.
Listen to the episode for the full story of Dart’s operational excellence journey!
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One of the most inefficiently run activities in a manufacturing facility is the daily tier meeting, a.k.a. the "standup" or "Obeya" meeting. And the culprit? Manual information-sharing processes and a lack of real-time data.
In this episode of The Manufacturing Stream, Phil and Eric introduce L2L's ground-breaking (and time-saving!) new module: TeamBoard. This data visualization solution infuses tier meetings with current shop floor data, empowering workers to identify problems and take faster action to solve them. With production metrics in one place, teams can easily prioritize issues, escalate when necessary, and foster a culture of collaboration and accountability.
Teamboard Demo
L2L Website
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In this episode of The Manufacturing Stream, Eric and Phil kick off 2024 with some exciting event announcements from L2L and a topic that’s never been more relevant to manufacturers: Uniting departments around a shared view of factory data.
If job-critical information is locked away in systems like ERP, MES, SCADA, and PLC, shop floor employees — and your plant — are operating with a serious (but fixable) handicap.
**Enter the concept of a “Data Sandwich.” Eric and Phil explain what a Data Sandwich is, why it’s important for today’s shop floor operations, and how connected workforce technology fills the data “gap” that often separates frontline workers from essential information.
Listen to the whole episode to learn how connected workforce platforms like L2L unify systems on every level to generate a complete view of plant operations.**
Sign up for the Connected Worker Summit: https://www.l2l.com/cws24
https://www.l2l.com/
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In this week’s episode, Malcolm Faulds, VP of Marketing at L2L (and Eric’s boss), sits down with Eric and Phil to share his learnings from LNS Research’s Industrial Transformation (IX) Event. From the emergence of digital manufacturing teams to navigating the manufacturing labor crisis, Malcolm discusses important highlights from the event as well as practical takeaways all manufacturers can use to help future-proof their plants.
Also covered in this episode is the role connected workforce platforms play in enhancing manufacturing worker experiences — and plant productivity overall. To learn more about the impact of connected work and IX, check out LNS’s new report, The Future of Industrial Work.
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In this special bonus episode of The Manufacturing Stream (emphasis on Stream in this episode), Eric, Phil, and a special guest devote an entire episode to their experience fly fishing for Silver Coho salmon in Cordova, Alaska. Enjoy!
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When we say “L2L was made for manufacturers, by manufacturers,” we mean it literally.
L2L was born on the shop floors of our now-customer, Autoliv, where Eric, Phil, and this episode’s special guest Mark Jenkins put their heads together to figure out a better way to track operational availability (OA). That’s right — we’re taking you through a brief L2L history lesson! Learn how the Toyota Production System inspired the creation of Dispatch, L2L’s flagship module, and how the product evolved into today’s leading connected worker platform.
Ever since the early 2000s, the goal behind L2L has remained the same: to engage frontline workers in the pursuit of continuous improvement. Today, we’re using AI and machine learning (ML) to drive productivity and efficiency across the end-to-end production process — helping manufacturers get to the root of waste and unplanned downtime.
See how connected worker solutions help you slash downtime: https://youtu.be/1gzv4Cnwvis
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Youtube: @leading2lean
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Youtube: @leading2lean
This weeks episode feature Mike Brewster of Owens Corning talking about how they are using L2L's Connected Worker Platform to change culture and drive their TPM process. In this special episode recorded for a Webcast for Plant Services, Eric talks with Mike about the change and challenges Owens Corning has faced as they have taken while moving their Total Productive Maintenance initiative into the digital world.
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Youtube: @leading2lean
In this episode Eric and Phil welcome special guest Justin Skaggs and Corey Olsen to discuss the importance of ERP integration to a new generation of connected workforce software like L2L. The four talk about the importance of creativity and the use of API integration to utilize that creativity in creating custom feature sets for the shop-floor.
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Youtube: @leading2lean
In this podcast Eric interviews Jon Richardson of L2L on how L2L customer team goes through the process of implementing L2L at customer sites. Jon talks about how from the signature of a Purchase Order to the time sites are using L2L software, sometimes as quick as 6 weeks.
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Youtube: @leading2lean
This weeks episode is a special broadcast of an L2L webinar recorded with Keith Holliman, Plant Manager of Jeld-Wen discuss culture change brought about by digital transformation in a traditional manual process within the Building Products sector. The implementation of L2L and its Connected Workforce platform have been a major contributing factor in this culture change.
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Youtube: @leading2lean
In this episode Eric, Phil and special guest Jim Morris talk about what it will take to give a new generation of manufacturing workers the skills to build a new culture of manufacturing. They dive deep into techniques and tactics experienced leaders can us to make culture change happen as manufacturing moves into the digital age.
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Youtube: @leading2lean
In this weeks episode, Eric & Phil discuss how Connected Worker Platforms like L2L are changing the way Total Productive Maintenance initiatives are being managed digitally. New features like digital abnormality tags, operator maintenance checklist and skills are being managed via mobile devoices saving manufacturing plants hundreds of hours of administrative busy work. At the same time, providing the data needed to implement solid early equipment design pillar projects. You can find more information about this subject on L2L's youtube channel.
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Youtube: @leading2lean
In this episode of the Manufacturing Stream Podcast Eric Whitley interviews John Davagian, CEO at L2L - Carly Anderson of Westinghouse - Jason Bryan of Sonoco Packaging - John Fishell VP of Product for L2L and Ashley Henery of Worthington Industries. All interviews were done live on the floor of the 2023 Connected Workforce Summit presented by L2L in Salt Lake City, UT
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Youtube: @leading2lean
In this weeks episode of The Manufacturing Stream Podcast, Eric and Phil talk about the need now more than ever to have Standard Work on the shop floor. With new technology like Connected Worker Platforms, Standard Work is now digital and can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the front-line worker. Even though Standard Work has been a lean concept for years, this tried and true tool helps reduce employee turnover and increase employee skills.
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Youtube: @leading2lean
In this episode Phil and Eric speak with Author Jamie Flinchbaugh about his latest article found on Forbes.com. '3 Reasons to Kill the 60 Minute Meeting'. The 60 minute meeting should be a thing of the past. There are three main reason. 1 - Execution, 2 - Waste, and 3- Mental Health. Find out how and why your organization should eliminate these meetings.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2023/03/27/3-reasons-to-kill-the-60-minute-meeting/?sh=70a583f737b4
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Youtube: @leading2lean
In this weeks episode Phil and Eric have a fun and insightful interview with Jake Hall, better known as The Manufacturing Millennial. The three talk about the latest trends in manufacturing and the turn towards the connected worker. An essential part of any manufacturing improvement going forward must be the consideration of the importance of the connected work. Technology is the key to retaining and disseminating tribal knowledge of workers leaving the workforce and giving that knowledge to new workers coming into manufacturing. We also select our winner for the free registration giveaway to The Connected Workforce Summit presented by L2L. And our Winner is Peggy Kumm of Cobb in North Carolina.
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Eric & Phil are back after a week off to talk about fishing and Eric being cheap and not wanting to spend the money on a good set of fishing glasses. They then do some shout-outs to new manufacturing coming back and expanding within the United States. Finally, todays topic is about the lessons learned from using Youtube and how those lessons are the foundation of todays modern connected worker platform and how todays worker learn and use information.
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Youtube: @leading2lean
In this weeks podcast Eric interviews Allison Kuhn from LNS Research where they talk about the future of work, digital transformation and the problems manufacturing is facing to day finding and recruiting new workers. We learn Allisons perspective on where manufacturing is headed and what we need to do in order to solve the problems of the day. Some great insights to digital transformation and how LNS customers are approaching this transformation and some of the problems they are seeing in the journey.
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Youtube: @leading2lean
In this weeks podcast, Eric & Phil have a in-depth discussion with FOXSPORTS NASCAR Analyst and 2 time Daytona 500 Winning Crew Chief - Larry McReynolds.
NASCAR has changed and evolved much like manufacturing when it comes to the implementation of Digital Transformation. This weeks discussion centers on the use of these technologies in NASCAR and how they parallel what is happening on the factory floor and in manufacturing organizations everywhere.
From real-time performance data coming directly from the race car so Crew-chiefs can make quick decisions to the use of Simulators to set up the race car. NASCAR digital technology mirrors those technologies in manufacturing such as machine sensor data and machine learning as well as digital twin.
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Youtube: @leading2lean
In this weeks Manufacturing Stream Podcast Eric Whitley and Phil Anderson review a 2023 report by Deliotte that talks about industry trends to watch for in 2023. The topics range from investing in advance technologies to managing talent and investing in Smart Manufacturing.
The podcast also introduces a new feature to highlight new manufacturing being introduced in the United States. In this episode they give kudos Ford, Rivian, Hyundai, Jervois, Greenworks Commercial, TLC Specialties LLC, and Eli Lilly.
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Youtube: @leading2lean
In this episode Phil and Eric along with special guest Cara Winter discuss the ever important role of frontline leadership in a manufacturing plant. This includes leading the digital transformation process. The discussion dives deep into how frontline Supervisors can help lead the digital transformation efforts on the shop-floor. Phil, Cara and Eric all worked as frontline leaders early in their careers and what is discovered in this podcast is that no matter what the initiative, it still is about basic leadership skills.
Also, Big 'Shout Out' this week in 'This Week in Manufacturing' to the people of Boeing for delivering the final 747 from the Everett, Washington final assembly facility. The Boeing 747 is an icon of American manufacturing and deserves its place as one of the greatest accomplishments of American industry.
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Eric and Phil invite special guest Cyrus Shaoul, CEO of leela.ai where the three discuss the new tech found in leele.ai time motion study tool. We learn how leela.ai captures motion on the shop floor and measures that motion through the tool. The discussion also covers where Cyrus believes AI is headed in the future and how it will be applied to manufacturing.
Phil and Eric also discuss
what companies need to do to be in front of the manufacturing 4.0 revolution and not be left behind as competitors implement their own digital transformation processes.
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Youtube: @leading2lean
Special guest Priya Rao, Sr. Director - Information Technologies and PMO at Worthington Industries. Priya was a key principal in launching Digital Transformation at Worthington. Todays discussion talk about what is needed from IT to help with this process, what type of team needs to be established to ensure success as Digital Transformation is implemented. Priya and Phil also discuss the critical role of IT in helping the Connected Worker on the shop floor.
In the "This Week in Manufacturing" section, Eric and Phil discuss the security risks that is prevalent in unrepeatable China sources IIoT devices.
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Youtube: @leading2lean
In this episode, in studio guest Danny Jackson, Digital Transformation Director at Autoliv talks about the importance of the Connected Worker. The Manufacturing Stream podcast coins a brand new word to describe the crazy world of Digital Transformation in manufacturing "Digitalificationtransformatization" You gotta hear the explanation of this one. Listen to the end for a big event announcement about L2L upcoming conference.
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Youtube: @leading2lean
In this episode Eric & Phil discuss why large, expensive, and inflexible business softwares are hurting your companies opportunity to improve. Because inflexible software dictates internal processes, a companies competitive advantage is lost to any other company that has the same inflexible software. The episode also briefly discusses Japans government initiative to onshore microchip manufacturing back from China amid global supply chain disruptions.
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Youtube: @leading2lean