Continuous Improvement process (CIP, or CI) is a management process where delivery (customer valued) processes are constantly evaluated and improved in the light of their efficiency, effectiveness and flexibility. The absolute key factor to achieving continuous improvement is thorough engagement between management and shopfloor staff, say consultants at Suiko.
The process of prototype development has changed dramatically from the days requiring cumbersome scale wooden or clay models. But with a variety of different technologies now available, including full digital as well as rapid 3D prototyping, which one is best and is the physical prototype a thing of the past? Malcolm Wheatley investigates.
Banks have always been the bad boys of the credit crunch. But is this reputation deserved? And what are they doing to help their customers? Michael Halls reports.
Sir Andrew Cahn, chief executive of UK Trade & Investment, gives his views on the UK aerospace sector in the build up to the Paris Air Show 2009 at Le Bourget.
He identifies Japan as an exciting trade partner for UK aerospace and points to British expertise in reducing the environmental impact of flying.
The UK small wind system manufacturing industry is robust but at risk. As other countries’ governments wake up to the potential benefits of a domestic small wind industry, the UK industry cannot afford to be complacent and government must engage with it to capitalise on a sound base as the global market expands.
Dennis Frize reports.
Ian Ritchie, managing director of Brammer, a leading UK supplier of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) products and services, looks at how a unique international partnership in spares sourcing and stores management is delivering big benefits to the world’s leading aluminium producer.
As manufacturers continue to move towards developing global supply chains, they increasingly need to be able to efficiently track all their resources. Effective asset tracking does not merely improve supply chain management, nor is it simply about avoiding inconvenience it also increases productivity, profitability and ultimately a manufacturer’s competitiveness. TM Talks RFID with Zebra Technologies.
Steve Wilson, vice president of supply chain and logistics at Capgemini explains that if you make your supply chain sustainable, it may just return the favour and do the same for you.
