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What if the tools you relied on every single day to get the job done were the reason you are experiencing inefficiency? How are you supposed to continuously improve when your options for implementing and sustaining change are limited? In part two of our three-part series on the connected worker and workforce in manufacturing, we’re joined again by fan-favorite Jaime Urquidi, Global Head of Customer Solutions at Parsable In this part, Jaime and Josh discuss the challenges of siloed solutions in the manufacturing industry. Jaime sheds light on the detrimental effects of relying on common siloed solutions, including the impact it can have on worker reliability and how it causes manufacturers to miss out on opportunities to improve. ! We also dive deeper into digital isolation,how it has affected manufacturing production, and why workers have been left behind in this process. Join as the two discuss: A recap of the top takeaways of part 1 How siloed solutions and lack of technology lead to digital isolation on the frontlines Digital isolation’s impact on manufacturing production and how workers got left behind Catch the full article from the BBC on digital isolation here! As a fan of the show, please fill out this survey to help us improve it! Conquering Chaos is hosted by Josh Santo, be sure to connect with him on LinkedIn! Keep connected with Conquering Chaos at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website.

Join us on Conquering Chaos as we kick off a three-part series on the connected worker and workforce in manufacturing with our industry expert (back by popular demand) Jaime Urquidi, Global Head of Customer Solutions at Parsable. In part 1, Jaime and Josh examine the most common inefficiencies that they’ve encountered while working with manufacturers to digitize frontline operations. These inefficiencies are inherent within frontline workflows and processes and if left unchecked, they can significantly impact operational results. Join as the two discuss the 4 most common inefficiencies and what to do about them Cost of doing nothing Role of today’s frontline worker in solving inefficiencies As a fan of the show, please fill out this survey to help us improve it! Conquering Chaos is hosted by Josh Santo, be sure to connect with him on LinkedIn! Keep connected with Conquering Chaos at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website.

Creating lasting change in manufacturing can be a daunting task. With the right strategies, it's possible. But — you have to prioritize it. In this episode, we explore how to drive impactful change in factories and make that change stick This week, Jaime Urquidi, Global Head of Customer Solutions at Parsable, discusses his experience in conquering chaos within the manufacturing industry. Jaime has had an impressive career, with highlights including leading multi-site teams that have made a significant impact in the manufacturing space. Jaime also shares how enacting change to your teams can be a challenge but a rewarding one for everyone with the right strategies. Join as we discuss: Jaime’s own highlights (and lowlights) as a factory director Lessons learned from all of those experiences Making & sustaining change Short-term sacrifices for long term gain & ROI As a fan of the show, please fill out this survey to help us improve it! Conquering Chaos is hosted by Josh Santo, be sure to connect with him on LinkedIn!

Digital Twin — hyped-up dud of an idea or critical component to the future of manufacturing (and the world)? In this episode we’re examining fact and fiction when it comes to Digital Twin technology. Our guest is Michael Pytel, Founder and CTO of Fulfilld. He discusses the implementation and reality of Digital Twins in the industry. Michael offers valuable insights on how digital twins have transformed the industry, and can transform logistic in particular, by providing real-time data and insights. He highlights the benefits of using digital twins, including increased efficiency, improved customer experience, and cost savings. He also shares the challenges that come with implementation and how to overcome them. Join as we discuss: Fact and fiction surrounding digital twin technology Benefits of using digital twin technology Overcoming implementation challenges. Key considerations for implementing digital twin technology How to start implementing digital twins If you like what you heard, you can join Fulfilld and Michael at this year’s Promat Conference in March to continue the conversation! And if you’re a fan of the show, please fill out this survey to help us improve it! Conquering Chaos is hosted by Josh Santo, be sure to connect with him on LinkedIn! P.S. Say “to win” fast and it sounds like”twin.” Is that a sign? Digital To Win, Digital Twin!

In our 2022 episodes, we've had the pleasure of speaking with industry leaders and experts who have shared their valuable insights and lessons learned. From implementing new technologies to streamlining operations, we've covered a wide range of topics to help manufacturers stay competitive and thrive in today's market. We take a look at the 7 most popular episodes and the biggest lessons we learned from each of those guests. One of the key takeaways from our episodes is the importance of empowering people. We also learned that having a strong company culture and clear communication can lead to improved productivity and employee satisfaction. Another important lesson is the importance of investing in new technologies such as automation and data analytics to stay ahead of the curve. Now, get ready to conquer chaos in 2023!

One of the most compelling reasons to digitize your operations is the access you get to new data points that were previously uncapturable. New data points bring new visibility. New visibility brings new insight. And new insight brings new innovation. But what data points are needed? And are these insights reserved for certain roles? Or can data be a powerful in-the-moment companion to everyone within manufacturing operations? Today’s guest, John Klein, Business System Leader at American Axle and Manufacturing joined to give insight on how new data points combined with powerful visualizations and connected worker technology has enabled people at all levels within their operations to drive innovations. Join as we discuss the: power of frontline activity data importance of custom dashboards for data visualization The challenges of data collecting through paper new way of connected work for frontline manufacturing operations Scaling with analytics

In a very special episode this week, we’re joined by two experts from the manufacturing industry who are using Parsable to power their digitalization efforts — Jim Carroll, Director of Land and Environment at Holcim, and Steve Switzer, Plant Manager at CEMEX. What’s unique about this conversation is that these two leaders from two competing organizations have found common ground in their effort to improve the day-to-day experiences for their frontline workers. By sharing their experiences and exploring common problems that need to be solved, they’re helping drive innovation within the industry.Join as we discuss: Factors driving digitalization on the frontlines The inefficiencies that occur when using paper-based processes Finding and implementing a digitalization tool The power of partnering with Parsable Results and impacts they’ve accomplished with their team

Many manufacturers and industrial operations are facing a number of disruptions. There’s workforce disruption, technological disruption, consumer disruption, and supply chain disruption. While there are a number of options for mitigating the impact of each, reshoring stands out as a critical way to minimize supply chain interruptions. In today’s episode, we are joined by Alberto Villarreal, the Founder and managing Director of Nepanoa, who shares how Mexico’s proximity, young workforce, and skilled labor make it the ideal location for manufacturers looking to reshore or localize aspects of their operations or supply chain. .  Join as we discuss:  What makes Mexico an ideal location for mitigating supply chain disruption Common misconceptions about establishing operations in Mexico Obstacles you’ll face and ways to overcome them How technology helps you get up and running faster Results and ROI based other organizations have achieved

Cloud-based ERP, you’ve probably heard of it but are you implementing it effectively for your teams? In today’s episode, we’re joined by Kerrie Jordan, Vice President of Product Management for Epicor's Data Platform shared the insights on that survey and how cloud-based ERP systems can be effective in solving a significant amount of pain points manufacturers using on-prem and hybrid ERP solutions experience. Join as we discuss Epicor’s manufacturing insights survey and report The power of cloud-based ERP Common misconceptions about cloud-based ERPs How to mitigate disruption during a migration to the cloud Establishing the ROI on migrating to a cloud-based ERP. You can read the survey results at this link.

ERP. If you got it, you probably don’t love it. But you know you need it. When it comes to ERP systems, many manufacturers have a love/hate relationship with their solution..  But why? At the end of the day, it is absolutely critical for managing what you produce. Is it caused by gaps in the solution? Shortcomings in the implementation? Shortsightedness in the vendor? What is the root cause of the pain? In today’s episode, Paul Tedford, CEO at Synergy Resources, shared his insight on how manufacturers can get the most out of their ERP system, from selection to implementation and beyond. If you feel some of the love and hate for your own ERP system, this episode is for you. .  Join us as we discuss: The evolution of the ERP system   Addressing and fixing the gaps in most ERP implementations  The future of ERP systems  And we ask a special question to Paul based on the classic hit from Naughty By Nature. Take a listen to find out if Paul is down with ERP.

Mitigating risk in manufacturing is a tall task for many companies — especially these days. Everything from supply chain, workforce retention and inflation can hinder a company’s profitability without warning.  How can a well lead company mitigate these risks without disrupting the flow of production?  In today’s episode, Dan Burgos, President and CEO of Alphanova Consulting, shared how companies can identify these constraints, embrace them and continuously improve from them.  Join us as we discuss: Making continuous manufacturing improvements to mitigate risks Creating efficiency in common areas to combat inflation  Reasons why lean implementations fail  Best practices for efficient product flow  Leaders creating a positive and engaging workplace  Check out Dan’s blog on 10 Reasons Lean Transformations Fail   Is your business stacking-up with world-class performance? Take the self-assessment test now!   Keep connected with Conquering Chaos at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website. Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Conquering Chaos in your favorite podcast player.

We’re in a period of time where everyone is struggling to do more with less. That pressure impacts everyone at all levels — CEO, management, and the frontlines. But what if you had a blueprint for achieving more without expanding resources?  If you tap into the talent, skills, and creativity of your greatest asset — your people — you could accomplish quite a lot. There are issues that occur in manufacturing that go unreported because frontline workers don’t feel like they’re being heard by leadership. From quality and safety issues to facility improvements, there’s a sentiment that any feedback will just get lost in a black hole.  There is difficulty attracting and retaining talent. And that's impacting the ability for manufacturers to meet customer demands. In today’s episode, Thomas Shorma, Chief Executive Officer at WCCO Belting, joins us to share how his team was able to increase throughput by 20%, retain talent, and create an environment where anyone within an organization can contribute to the growth of the company. Join us as we discuss: Getting 20% more for 20% Encouraging your workforce to share ideas and feedback Developing internal training programs for different skillsets

Your customers are not just the end consumer, your customers are all around you. They are the employees who help grow the business and the partners you work with to create sustainable products.  And if you aren’t meeting all of your customer's true needs, you’re in for some rough times. We speak with John Gossett, US Sales Director at Smurfit Kappa, in this episode to learn more about how he adopted a customer service mindset and the impact it’s had on his ability to enable others to make and sustain change. Join us as we discuss: Which customers you may be overlooking How to identify your customers’ true needs Enabling your customers to accomplish their goals

In today’s episode, Bob Seaman, Director of Innovation and Product Development at D.G.Yuengling & Son, joins to share his journey from the nuclear biz to the brewing biz, going from craft brewer to master brewer, and the lessons he’s learned along the way from major brewers like MolsonCoors and Yuengling.  We talk about the thousands of possibilities and things that could go wrong when packaging beer and how he empowers his workforce to take ownership for solving problems. Join us as we discuss: Becoming a brewmaster Managing risk on a production line Empowering people within the organization

Our host Josh Santo and the rest of the Conquering Chaos team are going on a short break for the summer but we'll be back with more conversations with leaders who are Conquering Chaos.  While we're gone, visit our new LinkedIn Page for the Conquering Chaos podcast and revisit some of our top episodes.  See you at the end of summer! Keep connected with Conquering Chaos at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website. Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Conquering Chaos in your favorite podcast player.

There is a lot of talk out there in the world about how digital transformation is a people focused transformation, but the application of that seems to get lost. In order for manufacturers to thrive in the factory of the future, we need to place our focus on the user experience and putting people first. In today’s episode, we speak to Dr. Stefan Kozielski, Associate Director Of Manufacturing and Supply Chain at Boston Consulting Group, about his experience advising manufacturing leaders and what manufacturers need to do to get started on a people focused journey to the factory of the future? Join us as we discuss: A Realistic Approach to Digital Transformation  Leadership & Psychological Safety Making a Focus On People the Future  Keep connected with Conquering Chaos at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website. Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Conquering Chaos in your favorite podcast player.

Is your Lean implementation a failure? Here’s a controversial take — it very well may be. Many manufacturers halfheartedly try to go lean, but overlook critical components of the philosophy. But when done right, manufacturers can make a huge impact. So what does right look like? Bill Neeve, President at Cycle Time Management Inc, joins the show to discuss the principles of lean management and how to make it work for your company. We discuss: Why lean management often appears to fail Principles of effective lean management Implementing a lean scoreboard Training opportunities in lean management Keep connected with Conquering Chaos at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website. Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Conquering Chaos in your favorite podcast player.

Manufacturers experience a multitude of challenges today from issues with the supply chain and material availability to talent recruitment and retention. How can manufacturers remain competitive in this challenging climate? Pavel Kuviarzin, Organizational Excellence Expert at Future State Engineering, joins the show to share advice and best practices gleaned from 20 years of experience working with manufacturers to achieve breakthrough operational improvements. We discuss: What manufacturers should prioritize to improve production Obstacles that get in the way of optimizing flow KPIs to focus on What people get wrong about flow and how to fix it Resources mentioned during the podcast: The Goal by Eliyahu M. Goldratt Keep connected with Conquering Chaos at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website. Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Conquering Chaos in your favorite podcast player.

Overcoming the everyday chaos inside a manufacturing organization requires some degree of change.  The bad news? Most people don’t like change. Jim de Vries, Founder & Managing Director at Enhance International Group, has helped countless organizations navigate change and achieve organizational excellence. He shares why culture is so important to driving change and how to create a culture that supports a resilient enterprise. We discuss: 4 types of workplace cultures The impact of a poor workplace culture How to shift the culture at your workplace Resources we mentioned during the podcast: Managing My Plant: A Millennial Manufacturer on Care, Culture, & Creativity w/ Sarah Dale  Keep connected with Conquering Chaos at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website. Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Conquering Chaos in your favorite podcast player.

Recruiting and retention come up a lot on this show, and for good reason. They are top of mind for leaders across the manufacturing industry. But Tony Lopez, Vice President of Operations, Manufacturing and Logistics Services at PRIDE Industries, explains that there is one often overlooked group that could help solve manufacturing’s workforce issues—workers with disabilities. Tony breaks down the many ways that manufacturing organizations benefit from employing this untapped labor market. We discuss: How PRIDE Industries helps persons with disabilities and manufacturers What constitutes a disability and how that may be different than what you’re thinking Misperceptions around employing persons with disabilities How the cultural impact plays into recruitment, onboarding, and training The triple bottom line and ESG Resources mentioned during the podcast: Worker Retention – It’s Not Rocket Surgery w/ Jim Parker Build a Local Talent Supply Chain w/ Gregg Chamberlain Millennials on Manufacturing w/ Jake Hall Email Tony: tony.lopez@prideindustries.com Keep connected with Conquering Chaos at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website. Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Conquering Chaos in your favorite podcast player.