Manufacturing Stream

Did you know that 93% of manufacturers we surveyed had taken steps to reduce downtime? 
Well how about the fact that only 43% reported that these measures were effective?

Downtime happens in manufacturing, it's a fact of the industry. But reducing your unplanned downtime (and improving your planned downtime) is one of the highest ROI actions that teams can take on the shop floor. 
In this episode, we're joined by our own Annika Björkholm and Eric Whitley to take a deep dive into our brand new 2025 Downtime Report - where we ask more than 600 manufacturing professionals: 
❓Why do you struggle with downtime?
❓What are you doing to fix it?
❓And how much is it really costing you?

Find the answers, and much more, in the report.

You can download it here: https://hubs.li/Q03MWwSB0
l2l.com
Youtube: @leading2lean

A good process is...
One that involves everyone using it. Seems simple enough, but designing effective processes for manufacturing demands a winning combination of experience, empathy, and iterative thinking.

This episode of Manufacturing Stream features Tom Williams, Head of Design and Process Engineering at Pandrol, and L2L CMMS/MES Implementation Consultant Michael Hurd. Both have decades of experience leading teams and improving processes on the shop floor.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:
- How to build an effective process and generate frontline buy-in
- The art of balancing effiency and labor costs in manufacturing
- How standardization drives quality
- How solving process hangups often starts with the frontline
- The similarities and many, many differences in process design between a modular housing start up and a global industrial supply chain
- How implementing better tech takes buy-in and a good set of ears (and eyes)

Key moments:

00:00 Introduction to Manufacturing Experts
05:48 Global Challenges in Manufacturing
11:37 Flexibility in Production Processes
17:01 Defining Effective Processes
23:05 Process Improvement Strategies
24:32 Diverse Processes Across Manufacturing Locations
26:17 Memorable Problem-Solving Experiences
26:54 Learning from Failures in Maintenance Planning
28:52 Comparing Startups and Established Companies
31:26 Building a Maintenance Team from Scratch
35:11 Engaging Teams in Process Improvement
36:47 Implementing Better Tech in Manufacturing
42:46 Measuring ROI 

Make sure to subscribe for more content about reducing downtime and improving your processes on the shop floor!
l2l.com
Youtube: @leading2lean

From the manufacturing Reddit community to our podcast: we have Lean experts Mohsin Saeed and Eric Whitley react to the best threads from the past couple of months. 

We explore everything from improving shift handoffs to dealing with overworked maintenance technicians. 

🧠 Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:
- Effective systems are crucial for smooth handoffs in manufacturing.
- Data-driven decision-making is essential for identifying root causes of issues.
- How skills gap in manufacturing often lies in troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
- Lean philosophy should be ingrained in the culture of your organization.

📍 00:00 Introduction
03:08 Story 1 - Getting handoffs right
14:47 Story 2 - The problem with Lean transitions
27:37 Story 3 - Unhappy technicians and a friendly wager
 40:07 Story 4 - Who's responsibility is it, anyways?

🎧 Make sure to subscribe for more content about reducing downtime and improving your efficiency on the shop floor!
l2l.com
Youtube: @leading2lean

Welcome back to the Manufacturing Stream Podcast! This week we dive into downtime - and how to beat it with better maintenance strategies. This episode features your host Eric Whitley and Joel Cook, Maintenance and Automation Manager at ChampionX. 

🧠 Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:
- How a proactive maintenance approach can significantly reduce downtime
- Why collaboration between maintenance and operations enhances overall efficiency
- How to minimize downtime with more effective spare parts management
- Why engaging technicians in the documentation process improves accuracy and efficiency
- How to navigate common staffing challenges in maintenance
- And much, much more

📍 00:00 Introduction
01:29 Joel Cooke's Journey in Maintenance Management
04:04 Evolving Maintenance Philosophy: From Reactive to Proactive
06:31 Implementing Continuous Improvement in Maintenance
09:54 Enhancing Communication and Collaboration
12:17 Documenting Processes and Continuous Improvement
14:38 Managing Spare Parts and Equipment
16:21 Understanding Downtime: Causes and Impacts
18:40 Navigating Staffing Challenges in Maintenance
21:00 Understanding Downtime and Operator Skills
22:13 Implementing Total Productive Maintenance (TPM)
25:18 Capturing Minor Stops and Operator Engagement
26:22 Future Plans with L2L and Operational Availability
30:22 Overcoming Challenges in Technology Implementation

🎧 Make sure to subscribe for more content about reducing downtime and improving your efficiency on the shop floor!
l2l.com
Youtube: @leading2lean

The Manufacturing Stream Podcast, your go-to source for insights into the latest in manufacturing technology and innovation.

Hosted by Chris Rost, we’re excited to bring you some of the best conversations in manufacturing - from the factory floor to the board room.
This episode features manufacturing tech expert Willemijn Schneyder, as she reacts to some of the most profound takeaways from our 2025 Manufacturing Skills Report.

We explore AI, Automation, and the needs of the frontline workforce across a number of roles in the manufacturing workforce.

🧠 Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:
- How AI and Automation can help reverse the skills gap
- Why a lot of our training methods aren’t landing in 2025
- How deep the skills gap really goes
- Why some manufacturers are hesitating to deploy upskilling strategies
- And much, much more

📍 00:00 Introduction
03:04 Demographics and Generational Insights
05:55 Preparedness for AI and Automation
08:54 Understanding AI’s Role in Manufacturing
12:04 Statistics on AI Impact in Manufacturing
15:02 Simplification and Acceleration of Processes
17:59 Data Literacy and Skills Gaps
20:50 Future Skills and Workforce Development
21:47 The Role of AI in Manufacturing
24:39 Real-Time Analytics: The Missing Link
27:33 Addressing the Skills Gap in Manufacturing
30:08 Transforming Training Approaches
34:33 Engagement and Retention in the Workforce
39:54 The Importance of Communication Skills

👉 Download your free copy of the 2025 Manufacturing Skills Report here:https://www.l2l.com/resources/research-report-2025

🎧 Like, subscribe, and share for more deep dives into the future of manufacturing!
l2l.com
Youtube: @leading2lean