C# or 316 SS

First, in crafting this series it is an effort to share my observations on the challenges, similarities, and differences between software and physical manufacturing. Currently my lens is from a position as an Estimator at Martin Sprocket & Gear in our Power Transmission (PT) division. Many insights are derived from my time in Production Control on the Material Handling (MH) side of the business. I will begin by framing this with some context and along the way I hope to share some insights that are at least interesting and at best, useful.?

My original intention was to share some of the observations last summer after completing one year in manufacturing. Around that time, I made the move from MH Production Control to PT Estimating. As this opened up broad swaths of new knowledge and experiences, I held off. So many new facets to add to this exploration.?

While spending most of my career in software, I embraced a passion project and delved into a long running interest in Operations Management and Lean Manufacturing concepts. The origins stemming from?a casual reading of Deming and Juran, to a self-study of practices like Kaizen and JIT. In my undergrad years I took some electives and first studied The Goal by Eliyahu M. Goldratt. This book is an approachable dialogue exploring the Theory of Constraints (TOC), well worth a read. Later while obtaining my MBA, I spent more time in Operations Management education. As I worked in software at that time I translated my education in such ways as writing papers on topics like Lean Management in Software Development while furthering my understanding of agile principles.?

I reached a point where I wanted to explore something different and really challenge myself. That is where I found Martin Sprocket & Gear and the position in Production Control. To learn, to know manufacturing you really need to start on the shop floor. I am fortunate that my analyst, process, and project management skills allowed me to make an impact in such an initially foreign environment.?

While I had a desk and a laptop, even worked on some Power BI and data analysis projects (not a standard PC duty), I also wore steel toe boots and safety glasses to work. Not only did I need to learn our ERP system, I had to learn things like the manufacturing flow and the challenges of physical WIP (where are those shafts?). I went from knowing stainless steel is nice for appliances and silverware to learning the attributes and applications of a myriad of metals and their forms. I transitioned from project plans and code reviews to engineering drawings and production meetings. In other words, I have been able to move my goal of lifelong learning from the university to an interactive role and it has been a great deal of fun. ?

As I work through this, I will look to potentially share observations and insights on some of the following examples, perhaps more:?

• Further comparison and contrast of tangible and intangible WIP?
• Project planning compare and contrast?
• Resource challenges comparison for tangible and intangible?
• Work environment compare and contrast?
• Applications and principles from The Goal as applied in the Machine Shop, our Herbie?
• Any other areas that differ and align between software and manufacturing?