Manufacturing TipsProduction planning Engineer to Order (ETO) Workflow: Definition and Best Practices Manufacturing is experiencing a shift towards both more customization and shorter lead times. One option for catering to this contrary dynamic is the engineer-to-order manufacturing workflow. ETO has the potential to achieve fast-paced bespoke manufacturing, but only if companies leverage the right tools for the job. By Mattias Turovski 12 min read
Manufacturing TipsProduction planning Bill of Materials (BOM) – A Complete Guide with Examples Regardless of the size of the manufacturing operation, a bill of materials (BOM) is vital for production. Manufacturers utilize them as the guide and recipe for creating a final product and as such, they are tied into production, quoting, purchasing and many other areas of manufacturing. By Karl H Lauri 19 min read
Manufacturing TipsProduction planning What Is a Master Production Schedule (MPS)? With Examples The master production schedule (MPS) is a production planning tool that helps to figure out how much of a product needs to be manufactured at different periods. This simple schedule can be used as a basis for further planning and scheduling throughout the manufacturing business. By Madis Kuuse 17 min read
Production planning Just-in-Time Manufacturing (JIT): Definitions, Benefits, Tips Just-in-Time manufacturing helps businesses shorten lead times, minimize inventory, and address other hidden inefficiencies by aligning supplies directly with production schedules. By Madis Kuuse 15 min read
Production planning Production Routing – Definitions, Tips, and Examples Manufacturing routing is a process as well as a document that standardizes, describes, and sequences manufacturing operations so that the product is manufactured as efficiently as possible. Effective routings can contribute to reduced costs, improved quality, accurate production planning, and the streamlined use of production resources. By Madis Kuuse 11 min read
Production planning Discrete vs. Process Manufacturing – How Do They Differ? Discrete manufacturing implies producing distinct items that require assembly along a production line. Process manufacturing, on the other hand, produces goods by mixing or combining raw materials in a manufacturing process. In this article, we will explore key differences between the two manufacturing types and look at examples of each. By Mattias Turovski 8 min read
Manufacturing TipsProduction planningSales Mass Customization – A Viable Option for Small Manufacturers Mass customization is a mixed manufacturing mode with characteristics from both mass production and make-to-order production modes. Modern software solutions such as product configurators make mass customization available even to small manufacturers. By Madis Kuuse 9 min read
Manufacturing TipsProduction planning What Is Cellular Manufacturing? Cellular manufacturing is a production organization method that consists of arranging the shop floor in a way that would accommodate the greatest efficiency. Here are its basic premises, benefits, and disadvantages. By Madis Kuuse 14 min read
Production planning What Are Contract Manufacturing and Toll Manufacturing? Contract manufacturing and toll manufacturing are the preferred ways of doing business for many companies, large and small. In this post, we take a look at what they are and how they differ. By Karl H Lauri 8 min read