Vasilis Karamalegos / Manufacturing Leadership
Value-Driven Transformation: The New Operating System for Industrial Excellence
In a world shaped by constant change, transformation is no longer optional—it's existential. Every organization is chasing the holy grail of resilience and agility through Operational Excellence programs, Digital Transformation initiatives, and, most recently, AI-led innovation. But there’s a silent truth lurking behind most of these efforts: without a sharp focus on value, transformation is destined to fall short....
Gustavo Ghory / Smart Manufacturing Leaders
Leadership in Manufacturing: Building High-Performing Teams for the Digital Era
At the core of operational excellence lies strong, capable teams empowered to adapt, solve, and lead. And in this new era, leadership in manufacturing is less about overseeing tasks—and more about enabling people to thrive in an increasingly digital ecosystem....
SmarterChains / Smart Manufacturing Leaders
Tariff Turbulence: Hunting Down Invisible Inefficiencies to Protect Margins
In a flashback to 2018, the U.S. manufacturing sector is once again bracing for impact. Trump 2.0 is reintroducing sweeping tariffs—this time proposing a hike on imports from key trading partners, including China and Europe1. From automotive components to food ingredients, the proposed tariffs could affect more than $1 trillion in annual trade volume2....
SmarterChains / Smart Manufacturing Leaders
Take OpEx to the Next Level: How SmarterChains’ Platform Bridges Process Improvement with Tangible ROI
Manufacturers worldwide rely on Operational Excellence (OpEx) frameworks like Integrated Work Systems (IWS), Lean, Six Sigma, and TPM to eliminate inefficiencies and drive continuous improvement. These methodologies have transformed production systems by enabling process standardization, empowering employees, and ensuring incremental improvements over time....
Loss Analysis: From Early Days to Advanced Tools for Manufacturing Efficiency
Loss analysis has come a long way in the manufacturing industry. From its humble beginnings to today’s advanced methodologies, it has transformed the way we uncover opportunities, eliminate waste, and drive value creation in manufacturing. In this post, we’ll explore how loss analysis evolved—from small manual efforts to data-driven systems leveraging loss analysis software—and why it’s critical for boosting manufacturing efficiency....
What is a Loss in Manufacturing? How to Identify and Eliminate Hidden Inefficiencies
In the world of manufacturing, one question often arises: What really is a loss? It’s an important question—and one that opens the door to transforming operations. A loss is more than just waste; it represents an opportunity. Whether you call it waste, inefficiency, or rework, the essence remains the same. Data suggests that nearly 30% of what we do in manufacturing involves waste. This could be wasted materials, time, effort, or energy. But instead of viewing it purely as waste, consider it as the distance between where you are and where you could be—a gap waiting to be bridged....
3 Essential Ingredients of Leadership in Manufacturing
In the fast-paced world of manufacturing, leadership isn’t just about hitting production targets—it’s about getting the best out of your team on the plant floor and helping them grow. Whether you're managing a factory, leading operations, or overseeing a supply chain, every leader has a responsibility: unlock the potential of your people while steering your organization toward success....
CPG Benchmarking Study: Key Takeaways from 10 Industry 4.0 Dimensions
Gain access to the CPG Benchmarking Study Key Takeaways for a more cohesive understanding of SmarterChains' 10 Industry 4.0 Dimensions Framework. For additional information download the Study and have a closer look....
Manufacturing's Next Step: From CoE To Ecosystem of Excellence
A CoE is a business investment: A team that develops and shares best practices and orchestrates end-to-end transformation. In SmarterChains’ experience, however, it is only a stepping stone....
Industrial Handheld Devices: Top 8 Solutions
A list of 8 companies that build Handheld Devices for Industrial use: Zebra, abas ERP, Alien Technology, Omron Microscan, Casio Computers, Sonim, Tasklet Factory and Ubimax....
Automated Load Carriers: 6 Companies that carve the way for the Industry 4.0 Plant
Top solutions for Driverless and Automated Guided Vehicles in the factory....
End-of-line Palletizing: 5 Solutions for the Factory of the Future
A list of the 5 most reliable solutions in End-of-Line Palletizing by CSI Portal, Dematic, Alvey Group, Brenton Engineering and End of Line Packaging Solutions....
Collaborative Robotics and IIOT
Collaborative robotics, or cobotics, is the leading buzzword for anyone relying heavily on the Industrial Internet of Things....
The Manager’s Guide to Financing Industry 4.0 Projects
The “what” of financing determines the “how” of financing There are four digital investment types: Pure business initiatives, foundational investments, trial investments, and big bets....
Industry 4.0 Complexity and Uncertainty – Why Some Manufacturers Thrive
Why do some manufacturing companies gain more value from Industry 4.0 than others? Because they regard the adoption of Industry 4.0 as an overall strategic business objective....
Factory Culture of the Future: A sensible guide to Adhocracy
Imagine a synergistic organization, where silos are broken by common customer-centric objectives and a transparent flow of information....
Embracing the possibilities of Industry 4.0 in the COVID-19 era
Clearly, the time to move, to get ahead of the curve, is now by preparing and defining your future capabilities for what is next and beyond. At SmarterChains, our three-stage approach – Prepare, Define, Execute – helps manufacturers embrace the possibilities of Industry 4.0....
Ten Factory of the Future Dimensions – Your way to Industry 4.0 transformation
At SmarterChains we call these areas the 10 Factory of the Future dimensions....
