in Lafayette, Indiana, is experimenting with sound sensors and ML to detect quality issues during operations, which would allow it to identify and fix problems much more quickly.
, a company in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, that provides manufacturing and assembly services to aerospace, defense, and oil and gas customers. Rise had a surge in demand for its products during the pandemic, which led to bottlenecks in its manufacturing process. “They had a manual polishing process, and human variability was creeping in,” Tilly explained.
All operations, whether dedicated to production or services, will also benefit from better application of methods taught by Toyota. Almost every MEP teaches lean methods, pull systems, visual workplace concepts, and kaizen methods for process improvement. Yet many SMEs would benefit from a deeper understanding of the underlying concepts and a more conscientious application of these techniques. Toyota’s production system is not static and continues to5.
The MEP programs are designed to help SMEs improve their capabilities and get started on the adoption of new technologies. Purdue, which manages Indiana’s MEP and the state’s, offers a wide range of training and services in adopting new technologies. It even connects SMEs to university faculty and students for up to 40 hours of assistance per year in a wide range of fields, including advanced process control, materials, failure analysis, sensors use and applications, and engineering analysis.