This book looks at the challenges of American manufacturing, transitioning from the Lean Six Sigma era to Manufacturing 4.0. There are excellent manufacturing companies, however the industry as a whole is not on a sustainable path. Through the author's unique view of industry, consulting and academia, strategic shortcomings in building vital human capital related competencies are illustrated. A proposed, hands-on roadmap can guide manufacturing companies in changing course now, and taking the necessary steps to close mostly basic gaps towards a more stable, capable workforce and effective operational leadership. Without a higher level of readiness for further needed upskilling, it will be very difficult for American manufacturing to remain competitive in the global environment of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
- Why the American manufacturing industry is on an untenable path
- Why other leading manufacturing countries take a different route
- How to tackle systemic instabilities like excessive employee turnover
- How to increase critical workforce capabilities and excellence thinking
- How to enhance effectiveness in operational leadership
- How to rapidly self-assess 4.0 Readiness of Factories
- How to systematically close critical gaps and expand on Human Capital
