You’re starting a new job in manufacturing. How can you make the most of your technical role?

A suggestion I make to anyone new to a process is to learn it as it is currently being operated. New ideas and new perspectives are always welcome, but first understand how and why certain things are being done now, then your ideas and suggestions for improvements will be more readily received.

There are very different types of manufacturing, but in general terms the essence of manufacturing is maintaining your base solid (safety, security, environmental, quality, and sound controls), and focus on what matters to the bottom line (productivity, reliability, cost control ... and always in coordination with sales and marketing). This is the big picture. At times technical roles tend to focus too much in the technical aspects and miss the big picture. So my first advice would be to understand your role in the big picture and be critical and creative vs just maintaining what has been done so far. Specially if you are aiming for a managerial carreer

One of the key things is to learn about People I Process I Technology..Try to assimilate & get a very good understanding of the whole production process-Seek out people who have tribal knowledge & are willing to share their experience..Your boss can always direct you to the right knowledge source..take your time-as this part of building the most important muscle-Learning from all & thru observation..Ask plenty of questions-don't be shy or afraid..People on the floor-both Operators & Maintenance folks can be a fountain of knowledge..Try to tap into that practical aspect..as it will accelarate the process

First of all I will spend a week in value stream mapping of each process. After analysis will make a time and action calendar of possible improvement areas and start working. There are many key areas where you can prove your skills like efficiency, wastages and cost control with a sustainable solution.

As with any new job, don't try to win over the world on day one. If you joined this company you must have believed they are doing something right. Learn and observe how they operate first this will put you in a better position to determine where you can best help and improve their process. Rome was not built in a day

Communication is the basic thing of effective production. Effective Communication from the top management to the bottom is necessary. The type of communication can be a different method, not only mail communication but also verbal or telephonic or through social media is acceptable.

Communication is the basic thing of effective production. Effective Communication from the top management to the bottom is necessary. The type of communication can be a different method, not only mail communication but also verbal or telephonic or through social media is acceptable.

I think proper communication play a vital role for any organisation because if there is a communication gap inbetween you & your team members then you will feel hopeless at some point. So it is necessary to maintain zero communication gap when ever you are new in the manufacturing sector.

Lo más importante es el saber como ser efectivos al comunicarnos, cualquier paso a dar del que no te encuentres seguro, consultalo. Hazte en todo momento la pregunta ?Esta acción me está llevando al objetivo que necesito? ?La actividad que me encuentro realizando, la debo de hacer yo o debo de apoyar a alguien más para hacerla? Cuestiona todo, y construye tu conocimiento, aprende a escuchar las opiniones de cada integrante, no te cierres jamás a los demás puntos de vista, haz participe a cada integrante del proyecto a que se comunique también y actúe en función del verdadero objetivo que es el aprendizaje.

Watch, learn, try, refine. Communication is a skill and an art. Communicating across org levels higher, lower and colleagues is critical for successfully delivering improvement results.

To make the most of a technical role when starting a new job in manufacturing, focus on actively developing your technical skills. Begin by learning the equipment and processes inside and out—whether it’s CNC machines, automated systems, or other equipment. Take the initiative to ask questions, observe seasoned employees, and seek mentorship. Stay curious about the why behind operations to deepen your understanding. Regularly review manuals, technical documents, and industry standards to reinforce your knowledge. Stay updated with industry advancements and continuously seek training to grow your expertise.

Besides being open to new technology, methods and work culture, being inquisitive and questioning current state is vital for basic understanding and to trigger better, faster, simpler ideas to overcome existing limits. In face pace industry, ideas has to be scalable, non human depended, smart solution, without over complicated process. While developing or identifying experts on specific subject matter is tricky, retention of experts is equally challenging in some part of the world. Building the right culture top down unlocks growth mindset among the people.

Ask to be assigned to a project-so you can start the journey of developing different manufacturing skillsets..Different projects will provide you that..Don't be afraid to signup for multiple projects..You learn a lot by doing..Then you can always try to read up & also attend seminars or online courses..One becomes good by doing-so keep at it ..as one will develop a passion & a thirst to be able to solve different problems...

Participando em projetos em equipe para desenvolver habilidades de comunica??o, colabora??o e lideran?a. A manufatura muitas vezes envolve trabalho em equipe para resolver problemas e otimizar processos

El crecimiento profesional en un campo técnico requiere una mejora continua de tus capacidades. Dedica tiempo a aprender nuevas tecnologías, a refinar tus técnicas y a ampliar tu comprensión teórica, lo cual te posicionará como un recurso invaluable y te preparará para abordar retos complejos con confianza.

You have to very much flexible to accept and adupt when you are in manufacturing. Always Challenges will not be related technical but to manage the situation . If you learn to manage the situation then you are done with the maximum part...

I agree that manufacturing is always a challenge as many different qualities are required to deal with people, products and processes. The most valuable is to listen to your colleagues and adopt common sense into each decision!

Be eager to learn quickly, sometimes with minimal guidance. Absorb and learn about the current manufacturing processes, equipment, and company policies. Do not be afraid to ask for clarification when needed. Keep an open mind and be open to new perspectives and new ideas.

Working in manufacturing invariably means you'll with with people as much as equipment. Be prepared to change your plan as you gather information from your coworkers and associates. This flexibility is key to remaining on top of the changing landscape that is manufacturing.

By Collaborating & embracing teamwork -one can both learn & contribute..Teams can be operators,skilled trades, engineers -both experienced & some straight out of school..Team work helps to drive to solutions faster..One will learn different perspectives & approaches to solve problems..which gives a rich basis for some good debate & dialog..Then Facts & data will drive the team to right solution set..It is fun as a team-provides both moral support as well as technical skill sets..as all have come together to achieve a common objective...

I worked for the largest manufacturer in America and the strength of the company is always in the people and communication around the goals! Every company has internal and external customers. Define your SIPOC internally. Supplier Input Process Output Customer In manufacturing we always are aware of the end user but the best teams have a great internal understanding of deliverables. Who internally is my customer and who is my supplier. Clear lines of expectations will help you achieve your goals. Collaboration will help everyone to achieve the company goals.

Your team is your family. Treat them the same. There are going to be times you do not agree, but they are family. Take a breath, figure out a work around, and move on. Don't be afraid to give in at times for the better of the overall goals. If there are members that are not participating pull them in with easy goals to help build momentum. Much like the shy person at the family picnic not playing any games. Being the glue that holds and brings the team(s) together is often more important than the leader.

This involves the relation between the workers and the customer. A good supervisor makes the team great who can do wonders. Thus the relation between management and employees can be developed through a good Supervisor.

You just started. There is probably a lot going on behind the scenes you don’t know about. And there will be someone who knows more about the system than you. Be willing to learn anything from everybody you work with. This is the most important part. Communicate to and communicate with others. Get to know the little guy too. And learn the informal connections between other employees.

Be queries and ask lot of questions and take the initiative to solve task/challenges don't. Worry about your skills and have will power

Be humble and do not come across as a know it all. Stay late and learn the business. Talk to employees that are seasoned and ask their opinions. Think out of the box. Soon others will come to you for advice.

Firstly, learn the culture of the organisation. Get to know your team. Profile your team according to their weaknesses and strengths, so you can delegate your tasks efficiently. Look for the problem solving techniques involved and see what it is that can be done to maximise of the factors of production. Sometimes, you do not need to fix anything. If it's not broken, laissez faire. Work with what you have and always have a can-do-it mentality. If you do not know anything, never be too shy to ask. Most importantly, know the line between being arrogant and being overly confident.

Additional to the above, it is good to be adaptable. However there sometimes some organizational cultures that need to be improved, some may be toxic and some may be complacent etc. This behavior normally births discontentment from employees. Therefore, you need not to lose yourself but be able to discern when influence for change is needed. Be courageous to stand for right behavior.

Learn process steps, study the process and product history, different technologies involved. know the people, SOPs, customer expectations. Be hands on. Talk to people , understand perspective.

Hold yourself accountable that way no one has to. That could be the best advice you ever receive if you utilize it. Don't ever try to make others look bad to make yourself look better. Be comfortable being judged on your own accomplishments.

If you’re starting a new technical position I found it very helpful to admit when I didn’t have the answer, promise to get the answer and follow through. When you don’t try to BS your way and promptly got back to the customer they were appreciative and trusted me.

1- Be open to learn and get acquainted about the systems first. 2- Identify the areas where you'll need help and be the first to ask from the best available teacher/trainer/subordinate on site. 3- Before getting the people know what you can do to improve the systems, assess and identify the good practices prevailing and adapt towards the same. 4- Collaborate with the people to resolve the issues and improve productivity with equal efforts. 5- Be an active member and try build up the team asap. Once the team is built up, it'll find the purpose and can do wonders for the organisation..

Manufacturing is a vast subject. One maybe experienced in one part of the subject in previous work. The new one maybe same or different. First thing is one should not brag about your knowledge and go on criticising current practices. Observe and find critical problems. Go deeper into the product requirements and processes used to achieve the desired outcome. Study the PFMEA if done earlier and what modes are considered. If not done then why it’s not done so far. Then discuss with your manager what you think should be done and implement PFMEA . If already done then what are the gaps and how it should be addressed. Attacking concepts of PFMEA will help the organisation with your technical expertise to make the process more robust.

One of the most important factors which we should not ignore is the participation of employees in various improvement activities and their motivation throughout various employee engagement and rewards/ recognition schemes. Example: 5S, Kaizens , Quality Improvement and Cost Saving Projects . Prompt reward/ recognition/ celebration of Individual and team achievements.