On this episode of Zen and the Art of Manufacturing, we take a deep dive into embracing and adopting new technologies in manufacturing. Bryan is joined by Jason Guss, CEO and Co-founder of Iterate Labs, a wearable tech and computer vision company designed to increase safety and production in the factory in real-time. As many of us know, the adoption of new technologies is difficult in any industry, let alone manufacturing. Jason gives us insight into getting employees to buy in, reducing turnover, developing people, and increasing safety. He explains how technology can not only digitize the fa ..read more

Too many companies focus on the wrong metrics. Instead, if they were focusing on increasing engagement and reducing turnover, other results like cost savings and increased profits would follow. Allison Greco joins us once more for a discussion on continuous improvement, the importance of soft skills, and how that helps build a competitive advantage.  It’s all about picking the right metric to drive results she explains. So, why isn’t everyone doing this? Well, according to Allison, there are 3 very important factors: A leader focused on improvement needs to exist The willingness to ventu ..read more

Join us as we dive into the world of continuous improvement. But, instead of a focus on tools, we focus on the why. “We have to be very good at persuading people so we focus a lot on the why.” Why are we making a change? Why now? What’s in it for me? Allison Greco is a continuous improvement guru, having worked for the railroad, various government roles, oil and gas, and now has founded and leads a continuous improvement organization, Continuous Improvement International. “It starts with building a relationship with them before you actually want to go and improve processes… You listen for sm ..read more

“If we focus on the right things, develop the right habits, give things the right focus, then the results will take care of themselves.” Paul Dunlop joins us for a second time to drill down into lean processes, measurements, effective communication, and daily production metrics. Most manufacturers are too heavily focused on the outcome. Instead, focus on the process and measurements that contribute to that outcome. With that, communication and great culture follow. Join Bryan and Paul as they dive into making processes work for you, understanding what to measure, structuring daily production m ..read more

"A process is a process, no matter the industry. Most organizations can apply Lean principles and Lean thinking." Paul Dunlop, Founder of Dunlop Consultants and a world-renowned Lean expert, joins us on this week's episode of Zen and the Art of Manufacturing to discuss all things, you guessed it, lean!  Most industries are more receptive to "dipping their toe in the water" and using Lean principles to improve workflow, but often, these initiatives fail. Paul explains why and what needs to be done to make these initiatives successful. Join Bryan Sapot, CEO of SensrTrx, and Paul as they tal ..read more

Creating a successful brand is difficult, yet Trevor Crotts, Founder and President of BuddyBrands and CEO of Compel Commerce, has figured out the winning formula. Trevor joins us on this week's episode of Zen and the Art of Manufacturing to talk about all things manufacturing marketing.  Learn why his first trade show after founding Buddy Brands was a disaster yet it led to key insights. Discover how the brand yet again pivoted after lackluster sales, creating an opportunity in eCommerce that would prove to be the key to success.  Trevor walks listeners through effective eCommerce sa ..read more

How do you define what excellence is in an organization? Jesse DePriest, a Lean Transformation Coach and Director of Operational Excellence at First National Bank of Omaha, joins us once more to explore defining, measuring, and solving challenges. He demystifies and pushes aside all of the well-known terminology for a straightforward look at what it takes to continuously improve, no gimmicks.  "That's magic. We're creating that environment where people are asking for help to solve these obstacles. Now we've got an environment for learning ripe for process improvement." Tune in to learn mo ..read more

How do you figure out the difference between data and information? What is going to drive change in your organization? Jesse DePriest, a Lean Transformation Coach and Director of Operational Excellence at First National Bank of Omaha, tackles these questions, giving the listener informative and actionable answers.  There is such a thing as too much data that becomes overwhelming and complex, and at the same time, all of the information you use should support the common objective throughout the company.  Join us as Jesse DePriest tackles the problems and questions most manufacturers a ..read more

"By doing these things, you will improve across the board." In the second part of John Broadbent's interview with SensrTrx's Founder and CEO, Bryan Sapot, the two discuss getting started with Industry 4.0 and why it doesn't need to be hard or expensive. According to John, you may need to enact Industry 3.0 first, and that's ok, but at least you're starting somewhere. The concept of a connected, smart manufacturer isn't going anywhere. It's a proven idea. But, if you get on the horse, you're entering the race and working towards that idea. "We've got a decade of information and experience to sh ..read more

Industry 4.0 has been around for years. Surprised? You shouldn't be. Industry greats like John Broadbent, Founder of Realise Potential, have been exploring the benefits of a new era of manufacturing technology since the early '90s. Part 1 of Zen and the Art of Manufacturing, features Bryan Sapot, SensrTrx CEO and John Broadbent exploring the history of industry 4.0, how it's expanded throughout the years, why there's a certain role essential to executing industry 4.0 initiatives, and tips for implementing it at your own plant. Don't miss this exceptional episode discussing the past, present, a ..read more