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Bridging the Sales-Operations Divide
Matt Kirchner recently assembled a group of manufacturing industry sales and operations professionals to define "Rules of Engagement," a group comprised of seven individuals with combined experience exceeding 120 years. Here's what they came up with.
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Two Hours a Day in the “Gemba”
Spending time on the shop floor can save your job and your business. Gemba is a Japanese word meaning “real place.” In business, the gemba is the place where value is created. In manufacturing, the gemba is the shop floor.
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Business Pet Peeves
Little inconsiderations can have a big impact on your business, your team and your perception in the industry. Sweat this small stuff.
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Is Yours a Blame Game Culture?
Management expert Matt Kirchner says pointing the finger at someone else doesn’t solve the problem
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‘They Never Call Me Back.’ No Kidding.
Get creative to set yourself apart and get prospective customers to hear you out.
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KIRCHNER: Must-See TV: “Finishing: Impossible”
Columnist Matt Kirchner tells us what reality TV can teach us about transforming your finishing shop.
Read MoreMatt Kirchner: God Created the Finisher, Too
Columnist Matt Kirchner writes about a recent Super Bowl commercial of Paul Harvey’s adage that on the eighth day, God created the farmer. But the ninth day was productive as well.
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Like the Farmer, God Created the Finisher, Too
A recent Super Bowl commercial reminded us of Paul Harvey’s adage that on the eighth day, God created the farmer. But the ninth day was productive as well.
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Ensuring Your Next Kaizen Event is a Colossal Failure
Finishers all over the United States are using Kaizen events to improve efficiency and better respond to the voice of the customer. Though some are achieving their goals, many — if not most — are failing.
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To PO or Not to PO . . . that is the Question
They may be a hassle, but purchase orders save countless mistakes and unnecessary costs.
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Quarterbacks, Power Forwards, Olympians and Benchmarking
What if there was a way to determine how we are performing financially compared with companies similar to our own? What if we could compare our results with theirs on an even playing field? What if we could determine where others are outperforming us and then take steps to improve in those areas?
Read MoreThe Coatings Rework Nightmare
How company mindset in a quandary can make or break a finishing operation.
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