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Weekly blog addressing topics related to operational excellence, process improvements, and the US manufacturing and distribution industries.

Our Most Popular Blogs

Workforce Management

Veryable: The One Stop Shop For All Your Operational Needs

In this article, we'll cover how using both Veryable's Workforce Management Tool and On-Demand Labor Marketplace together provides a one-stop shop for giving your team the tools and resources they need to meet their objectives.
Ben Steele
Ben Steele
August 7, 2024
Operational Agility

How On-Demand Labor Helps Building Material Suppliers Tackle Spikes In Demand

In this article, we’ll cover how our on-demand labor model allows building material suppliers to capitalize on these demand spikes and establish a competitive advantage in the process.
Ben Steele
Ben Steele
July 25, 2024
Platform Features

You Asked, We Answered: The Veryable Platform Is Now More Streamlined Than Ever Before

As part of our commitment to continuously improve our offerings, we've released new automated attendance verification features that will take your experience to a whole new level.
Shane Stewart
Shane Stewart
July 23, 2024
All-Star Operator Cedric Miller Throws First Pitch at Texas Rangers Game
All-Star Operator Cedric Miller Throws First Pitch at Texas Rangers Game
Awards and Recognition

All-Star Operator Cedric Miller Throws First Pitch at Texas Rangers Game

Veryable Operator Cedric Miller was given this once in a lifetime opportunity at the Texas Rangers vs Tampa Bay Rays game on Saturday July 6th.
Ben Steele
Ben Steele
July 10, 2024
Workforce Innovation

Veryable: The Trusted Choice for Safety

In honor of national safety month, we discuss several factors that contribute to the safety of our platform.
Matt Morgan
Matt Morgan
June 19, 2024
Awards and Recognition

Veryable Wins Innovation Award at ADAC Automotive Partner Day

We’re extremely honored to have been awarded the ADAC Automotive Innovation Award for 2024. This award celebrates our dedication to exceptional service and innovative solutions during critical times.
Ben Steele
Ben Steele
May 30, 2024

Our Most Recent Blogs

Awards and Recognition
Platform Features
Turnover
Operations Management
Quality Control
Inventory
Industry Guides
Capacity Planning
Productivity
Demand Forecasting
Veryable vs. Staffing
"The Future of Manufacturing" Series
Operational Agility
For The Operator
Service Metrics
Workforce Management
"Creativity over Capital" Series
Megatrends
Downcycle Agility
Definition Blogs
Reshoring
Regulations
"Point of View" Series
Who We Are and the Basics of On-Demand Labor
Peak Season Strategy
Automation
Your Labor Pool
Automotive Industry
Lean Center of Excellence
U.S. Manufacturing
Service Metrics
Operational Excellence
Workforce Innovation
Digital Manufacturing
Cost Reduction
Getting Started
Clear
The Future of Manufacturing: Real-Time Agile Manufacturing
The Future of Manufacturing: Real-Time Agile Manufacturing
"The Future of Manufacturing" Series

The Future of Manufacturing: Real-Time Agile Manufacturing

Real-time manufacturing requires new approaches to production: how labor capacity is managed, how production occurs, and how the supply chain is arranged.
Steven Calhoun
Steven Calhoun
May 6, 2022
Is Piecework a Lean Tool?
Is Piecework a Lean Tool?
Lean Center of Excellence

Is Piecework a Lean Tool?

In this article, you’ll learn a brief history of piecework, how it relates to Lean, and how to know whether you should implement piecework.
Gauthier Duval
Gauthier Duval
May 5, 2022
The Future of Manufacturing: Asset-Light Manufacturing
The Future of Manufacturing: Asset-Light Manufacturing
"The Future of Manufacturing" Series

The Future of Manufacturing: Asset-Light Manufacturing

In this article, you’ll learn what asset-light looks like today, what its ideal future state would be, and how to reach a truly asset-light future for manufacturing.
Steven Calhoun
Steven Calhoun
April 28, 2022
Labor Capacity Fluctuations and How to Respond
Labor Capacity Fluctuations and How to Respond
Operational Agility

Labor Capacity Fluctuations and How to Respond

In this article, you’ll learn how flexible labor capacity enables you to accommodate the needs of your full-time workers, navigate a tight labor market, and respond accurately to daily demand.
Steven Calhoun
Steven Calhoun
April 22, 2022
The Future of Manufacturing: Local, Decentralized Manufacturing
The Future of Manufacturing: Local, Decentralized Manufacturing
"The Future of Manufacturing" Series

The Future of Manufacturing: Local, Decentralized Manufacturing

Economies of scale have gotten us far, but the next step will be mass customization with greater involvement and control at the local level.
Steven Calhoun
Steven Calhoun
April 13, 2022
How to Address the Dutch Disease in a Local Workforce
How to Address the Dutch Disease in a Local Workforce
Workforce Innovation

How to Address the Dutch Disease in a Local Workforce

In this article, you’ll learn how the concept of Dutch Disease can teach us what we can do about disruptions to a local workforce.
Josh Mote
Josh Mote
April 8, 2022
Veryable Wins MHI Innovation Award at MODEX 2022
Veryable Wins MHI Innovation Award at MODEX 2022
Awards and Recognition

Veryable Wins MHI Innovation Award at MODEX 2022

Veryable won the MHI Innovation Award for Best IT Innovation, awarded March 30, 2022 at MHI Industry Night at MODEX.
Steven Calhoun
Steven Calhoun
April 6, 2022
The Future of Manufacturing: Additive Manufacturing
The Future of Manufacturing: Additive Manufacturing
"The Future of Manufacturing" Series

The Future of Manufacturing: Additive Manufacturing

This article is part one of a series called “The Future of Manufacturing,” in which we’ll explore the technologies and ideas that will be used in the next manufacturing revolution.
Steven Calhoun
Steven Calhoun
March 25, 2022
Reinstated Employment Classification Standards: A Win for Workers
Reinstated Employment Classification Standards: A Win for Workers
Regulations

Reinstated Employment Classification Standards: A Win for Workers

The Eastern District Court of Texas reinstated a clarified worker classification test for determining independent contractor status under federal law.
Matt Morgan
Matt Morgan
March 16, 2022
Why Simple, High-Impact Metrics are the First Step to Data Maturity
Why Simple, High-Impact Metrics are the First Step to Data Maturity
Operational Excellence

Why Simple, High-Impact Metrics are the First Step to Data Maturity

In this piece, I will introduce the idea of simple, high-impact metrics, why they are the first true step in the path to data maturity, and how to track them. I’ll conclude by discussing how Veryable can help you achieve your data goals.
Matthew Babich
Matthew Babich
March 14, 2022
Why Standard Work is the “Secret Weapon” of the Best Lean Companies
Why Standard Work is the “Secret Weapon” of the Best Lean Companies
Lean Center of Excellence

Why Standard Work is the “Secret Weapon” of the Best Lean Companies

In this blog, we’ll provide a solution to a common problem across all industries: insufficient standardization, leading to quality issues and inconsistent throughput rates.
Gauthier Duval
Gauthier Duval
March 4, 2022
How to Calculate Employee Turnover Rate
How to Calculate Employee Turnover Rate
Turnover

How to Calculate Employee Turnover Rate

The focus of this page is to give you a quick way to calculate turnover and introduce a new solution to this ever-present problem.
Steven Calhoun
Steven Calhoun
February 28, 2022
Blockchain in the Supply Chain: Procure or Pass?
Blockchain in the Supply Chain: Procure or Pass?
Megatrends

Blockchain in the Supply Chain: Procure or Pass?

You might have heard of big players such as Walmart using the blockchain to trace food, but what does this mean for small businesses in the supply chain?
Steven Calhoun
Steven Calhoun
February 21, 2022
What is Kaizen?
What is Kaizen?
Lean Center of Excellence

What is Kaizen?

Learn what kaizen is, how kaizen thinking benefits your operations, and how to conduct your own kaizen events.
Steven Calhoun
Steven Calhoun
February 11, 2022
Why Most Businesses Can’t Sustain 5S
Why Most Businesses Can’t Sustain 5S
Lean Center of Excellence

Why Most Businesses Can’t Sustain 5S

Learn why most businesses can’t sustain 5S and what you can do to be certain your 5S event is repeatable and sustainable.
Gauthier Duval
Gauthier Duval
February 2, 2022
Andon Systems: Definition, Types, and Benefits
Andon Systems: Definition, Types, and Benefits
Lean Center of Excellence

Andon Systems: Definition, Types, and Benefits

Learn what andon systems are, how to pick which is right for you, and why you should be using one in your manufacturing facility.
Steven Calhoun
Steven Calhoun
January 28, 2022
Why Lean Culture is Key to Revitalizing US Manufacturing
Why Lean Culture is Key to Revitalizing US Manufacturing
Lean Center of Excellence

Why Lean Culture is Key to Revitalizing US Manufacturing

It’s not enough to understand Lean. The hard part is changing your behaviors, especially in times of crisis when old habits will try to take over.
Gauthier Duval
Gauthier Duval
January 21, 2022
The Benefits of Data Collection for Manufacturing Companies
The Benefits of Data Collection for Manufacturing Companies
Digital Manufacturing

The Benefits of Data Collection for Manufacturing Companies

In this article, you’ll learn why it’s important to track your data, what data you should be tracking, and what you can do with the data to benefit your business.
Matthew Babich
Matthew Babich
January 14, 2022
Pull Production Systems: Push vs Pull, Types, and Tools
Pull Production Systems: Push vs Pull, Types, and Tools
Lean Center of Excellence

Pull Production Systems: Push vs Pull, Types, and Tools

In this article, you’ll learn what pull production systems are, how to implement and manage a pull production system, and how to get the most out of them.
Steven Calhoun
Steven Calhoun
January 12, 2022
Augmented Reality in Manufacturing: What is It and What Does it Do?
Augmented Reality in Manufacturing: What is It and What Does it Do?
Digital Manufacturing

Augmented Reality in Manufacturing: What is It and What Does it Do?

Learn what role augmented reality can play in manufacturing, where it adds value, and where it doesn’t.
Pete Conrad
Pete Conrad
January 5, 2022
Visual Management in Manufacturing and Logistics
Visual Management in Manufacturing and Logistics
Lean Center of Excellence

Visual Management in Manufacturing and Logistics

In this article, you’ll learn what visual management is and how it can benefit your operations. You’ll see examples of visual management in action and learn how you can implement it in your own facilities.
Steven Calhoun
Steven Calhoun
December 30, 2021
The Five S Methodology: A Powerful Lean Tool
The Five S Methodology: A Powerful Lean Tool
Lean Center of Excellence

The Five S Methodology: A Powerful Lean Tool

Learn what the parts of 5S are, what they mean, and how you can use the 5S methodology to set a strong foundation for future operational improvements.
Steven Calhoun
Steven Calhoun
December 28, 2021
Why Veryable is Only for Manufacturing and Logistics Companies
Why Veryable is Only for Manufacturing and Logistics Companies
U.S. Manufacturing

Why Veryable is Only for Manufacturing and Logistics Companies

It might be a cliche, but focusing on doing one thing well is an advantage for our company. We do not want to spread our efforts thin because we believe in the impact we can make in manufacturing and logistics in the United States.
Steven Calhoun
Steven Calhoun
December 10, 2021
On-Time, In-Full (OTIF): A Key Supply Chain Metric
On-Time, In-Full (OTIF): A Key Supply Chain Metric
Service Metrics

On-Time, In-Full (OTIF): A Key Supply Chain Metric

In this article, you’ll learn what the on-time, in-full metric is, how to calculate it, and how to improve your company's performance in this key area.
Steven Calhoun
Steven Calhoun
December 8, 2021
The Labor Shortage: What’s Changed and Why It’s Here to Stay
The Labor Shortage: What’s Changed and Why It’s Here to Stay
Operational Agility

The Labor Shortage: What’s Changed and Why It’s Here to Stay

In this article, you’ll learn why the labor shortage is here to stay and what you can do about it.
Steven Calhoun
Steven Calhoun
December 3, 2021
The Pitfalls of Relying Only on Full-Time Employees
The Pitfalls of Relying Only on Full-Time Employees
Turnover

The Pitfalls of Relying Only on Full-Time Employees

In this article, you will learn the pros, cons, and alternatives to only hiring full-time employees.
Rich Tompkins
Rich Tompkins
December 1, 2021
Best IIoT Platforms for Manufacturing
Best IIoT Platforms for Manufacturing
Digital Manufacturing

Best IIoT Platforms for Manufacturing

It can be daunting to select an IIoT platform when you’re on your digital transformation journey. We've narrowed down a list to get you started.
Steven Calhoun
Steven Calhoun
November 24, 2021
What is Poka-Yoke? (Definition, Examples, and Benefits)
What is Poka-Yoke? (Definition, Examples, and Benefits)
Lean Center of Excellence

What is Poka-Yoke? (Definition, Examples, and Benefits)

In this article, you’ll learn what poka-yoke is, how it’s used, and what benefits your business could see from using this tool.
Steven Calhoun
Steven Calhoun
November 17, 2021
Best CMMS for Manufacturing
Best CMMS for Manufacturing
Digital Manufacturing

Best CMMS for Manufacturing

We’ve narrowed down the leaders in the maintenance management software realm and compared them to help you decide which one works best for your business.
Steven Calhoun
Steven Calhoun
November 12, 2021
Industry Guides

On-Demand Labor for Building Product Suppliers

In this article, you’ll learn how you can use on-demand labor to keep your labor costs aligned with your productivity goals, so you can hit your targets with less hassle.
Jonathan Feise
Jonathan Feise
November 10, 2021
Don’t Ditch the Lean Supply Chain
Don’t Ditch the Lean Supply Chain
Lean Center of Excellence

Don’t Ditch the Lean Supply Chain

The lean supply chain is not the culprit for our supply chain woes in 2020 and 2021. Lean thinking will soon be even more useful as reshoring accelerates.
Steven Calhoun
Steven Calhoun
November 5, 2021
Process Lead Time and Little’s Law
Process Lead Time and Little’s Law
Service Metrics

Process Lead Time and Little’s Law

In this article, you’ll learn about Little’s Law, how it can help you calculate process lead times quickly, and how you can use that information to make operational improvements.
Steven Calhoun
Steven Calhoun
October 29, 2021
Kanban for Manufacturing: Cards, Boards, and Supermarkets Explained
Kanban for Manufacturing: Cards, Boards, and Supermarkets Explained
Lean Center of Excellence

Kanban for Manufacturing: Cards, Boards, and Supermarkets Explained

In this article, you’ll learn what kanban is, how it works, whether it’s right for you, and what you need to get started.
Steven Calhoun
Steven Calhoun
October 27, 2021
The 80/20 Rule for Operational Improvements in Manufacturing
The 80/20 Rule for Operational Improvements in Manufacturing
Operational Excellence

The 80/20 Rule for Operational Improvements in Manufacturing

In this article, you’ll learn about the 80/20 rule, how seemingly small changes can produce big results, and how to apply this thinking to your operation.
Steven Calhoun
Steven Calhoun
October 22, 2021
Reshoring: Time to Step Up and Accelerate the Trend
Reshoring: Time to Step Up and Accelerate the Trend
Reshoring

Reshoring: Time to Step Up and Accelerate the Trend

We seem to be in a confluence of imperatives that range from operational to national security. We have more than an opportunity – we have a duty ahead.
Mike Kinder
Mike Kinder
October 20, 2021
Automation

Robotics Asset vs Labor Pool Asset

In this article, you will learn the differences between a robotics asset vs labor pool asset and how a labor pool can create value for your operation.
Pete Conrad
Pete Conrad
October 15, 2021
Production Leveling vs Agile Manufacturing
Production Leveling vs Agile Manufacturing
Operational Agility

Production Leveling vs Agile Manufacturing

In this article, you’ll learn the differences between production leveling and agile manufacturing and how to decide which one is right for you.
Steven Calhoun
Steven Calhoun
October 13, 2021
Make the Most of Your Data with Veryable
Make the Most of Your Data with Veryable
Digital Manufacturing

Make the Most of Your Data with Veryable

In this article, you’ll learn ways to make the most of the data and tools available to you in your Veryable portal at no extra cost but the time it takes to set them up.
Steven Calhoun
Steven Calhoun
October 8, 2021
Improving Lead Times with On-Demand Labor
Improving Lead Times with On-Demand Labor
Service Metrics

Improving Lead Times with On-Demand Labor

At Veryable, we’ve seen hundreds of companies improve lead times by using on-demand labor to flex labor capacity in real time in response to demand.
Steven Calhoun
Steven Calhoun
October 6, 2021
Lean Six Sigma for Manufacturing
Lean Six Sigma for Manufacturing
Lean Center of Excellence

Lean Six Sigma for Manufacturing

The Lean Six Sigma management method combines two separate methodologies to amplify outcomes by leveraging the synergies between each method.
Steven Calhoun
Steven Calhoun
October 1, 2021
Three Human Barriers to Labor Digitization and How to Promote Buy-in
Three Human Barriers to Labor Digitization and How to Promote Buy-in
Digital Manufacturing

Three Human Barriers to Labor Digitization and How to Promote Buy-in

Learn the three most common objections to digitizing your business’s response to capacity constraints and how to address them.
Pete Conrad
Pete Conrad
October 1, 2021
The Rube Goldberg Problem in U.S. Manufacturing
The Rube Goldberg Problem in U.S. Manufacturing
U.S. Manufacturing

The Rube Goldberg Problem in U.S. Manufacturing

US manufacturing has a problem. It’s not attracting enough workers, and its output lags behind where it needs to be if we are going to bring productive power back onto our shores en masse.
Steven Calhoun
Steven Calhoun
September 23, 2021
How to Address Productivity Issues Using On-Demand Labor
How to Address Productivity Issues Using On-Demand Labor
Productivity

How to Address Productivity Issues Using On-Demand Labor

In this article, you’ll learn how to improve productivity in general and, more specifically, how to improve it using on-demand labor.
Steven Calhoun
Steven Calhoun
September 17, 2021
Best Manufacturing Execution Systems
Best Manufacturing Execution Systems
Digital Manufacturing

Best Manufacturing Execution Systems

The following list of manufacturing execution software (MES) will help you choose the right tool for getting a clear picture of your operation.
Steven Calhoun
Steven Calhoun
September 15, 2021
The Problem with Heijunka Production Leveling
The Problem with Heijunka Production Leveling
Lean Center of Excellence

The Problem with Heijunka Production Leveling

Implementing heijunka to level your production is a longstanding approach to manufacturing. However, it can bog down your business when it is used as a self-imposed, artificial constraint on production.
Steven Calhoun
Steven Calhoun
September 3, 2021
Three Steps to Improving Quality in Manufacturing
Three Steps to Improving Quality in Manufacturing
Quality Control

Three Steps to Improving Quality in Manufacturing

In this article, you will learn the steps needed to improve your quality metrics, and how on-demand labor can help you do that.
Steven Calhoun
Steven Calhoun
August 30, 2021
The Metaverse and Manufacturing: Hype vs Reality
The Metaverse and Manufacturing: Hype vs Reality
Megatrends

The Metaverse and Manufacturing: Hype vs Reality

So, what exactly is the metaverse? And what opportunities might its popularity among tech companies and consumers translate into for manufacturing companies?
Steven Calhoun
Steven Calhoun
August 27, 2021
On-Demand Labor for Food Manufacturing Companies
On-Demand Labor for Food Manufacturing Companies
Industry Guides

On-Demand Labor for Food Manufacturing Companies

In this article, you’ll learn how on-demand labor can help your company meet changing daily demands and deliver valuable food products on time.
Steven Calhoun
Steven Calhoun
August 20, 2021
Drum-Buffer-Rope vs Kanban
Drum-Buffer-Rope vs Kanban
Lean Center of Excellence

Drum-Buffer-Rope vs Kanban

Kanban is a mainstay of Lean, and drum-buffer-rope originated from the Theory of Constraints. We compared the two so you can decide which is right for you.
Steven Calhoun
Steven Calhoun
August 18, 2021
Best Digital Work Instruction Tools for Manufacturing
Best Digital Work Instruction Tools for Manufacturing
Digital Manufacturing

Best Digital Work Instruction Tools for Manufacturing

In this article, you will learn about digital work instructions and the best solutions available for manufacturing and logistics companies to standardize and digitize their work.
Steven Calhoun
Steven Calhoun
August 13, 2021

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