Manufacturers today are often inundated with dashboards displaying a dizzying array of key performance metrics for manufacturing. From overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) and yield rates to first-pass quality and inventory turnover, the sheer volume of data can be overwhelming. But amidst all the numbers and charts, which key performance metrics for manufacturing truly signal the… READ MORE
Every manufacturer knows they need to calculate process capacity to understand their production limits – how many units can a machine produce per hour, how many orders can a work center handle in a day. These calculations provide a theoretical ceiling, a benchmark against which performance is often measured. But knowing your theoretical maximum is… READ MORE
Today’s manufacturers are awash in shop floor data, with sensors, systems, and reports generating more information than ever before – from machine performance metrics to real-time inventory levels and employee productivity tracking. The promise is that this wealth of data will lead to greater visibility and ultimately, more effective shopfloor management. But is all this… READ MORE
Many manufacturers invest in sophisticated advanced planning and scheduling (APS) systems, hoping to create the perfect production blueprint – a meticulously crafted sequence of operations designed to optimize resources and ensure timely completion. The promise of these systems lies in their ability to foresee potential bottlenecks and proactively allocate capacity. But what happens when the… READ MORE
In the world of manufacturing, efficiency is paramount. One of the biggest hindrances to a smooth manufacturing process is what’s known as a ‘bottleneck’. This term refers to the point in the production line where work accumulates faster than it can be processed. Fortunately, scheduling software has emerged as a powerful tool to address and… READ MORE
For manufacturers, the order cycle time – the total duration from when a customer places an order to when that order is finally delivered – is a critical pulse point of business health. A shorter, more predictable cycle translates directly into happier customers, improved cash flow, and a stronger competitive position. While the overall order… READ MORE
Many machine shops implement machine shop scheduling software with the primary goal of boosting operational efficiency – reducing bottlenecks, optimizing machine utilization, and improving on-time delivery. While these are undoubtedly valuable benefits, what if this technology could be the key to unlocking a significant and sustainable competitive advantage that sets you apart from the competition?… READ MORE
For decades, manufacturers have leaned on master schedules as the cornerstone of predictable project delivery, envisioning a meticulously planned roadmap to guide their operations. These comprehensive blueprints aim to orchestrate every stage of production, promising a clear path from raw materials to finished goods. But in today’s dynamic and often unpredictable manufacturing environment, are these… READ MORE
In a market where agility is king, manufacturers are shifting from reactive cost-cutting to strategic expense management. How can you transform manufacturing expenses from a burden into a powerful competitive edge? Traditionally, the focus has been on simply reducing costs, but forward-thinking manufacturers understand that optimized production scheduling is a pivotal lever for driving growth… READ MORE
The allure of achieving peak capacity in manufacturing often drives a relentless pursuit of increased production volume. However, the question arises: is sheer output the true measure of capacity? At LillyWorks, we believe that a more nuanced understanding is required. Rather than merely striving for higher numbers, we advocate for a focus on strategic throughput.… READ MORE