Dr. Jeffrey Liker, University of Michigan, Liker Lean Advisors
Joe Li, Manager, Toyota North America
Yahya Khan, Senior Reliability Engineer, Clarios Corporation
Dr. Jeremy Frank, CEO and Founder, KCF Technologies, Inc.
Lean and Digital Manufacturing
Putting People at the Center
This feature article jointly written by Dr. Jeff Liker – Author of the Toyota Way, Dr. Jeremy Frank-CEO of KCF Technologies, Yahya Kahn – Regional Reliability Leader at Clarios, and Joe Li – Manager at Toyota dives into the transition from the lean movement and the technology advancements of Industry 4.0.
Readers will learn about the limitations of relying solely on automated systems for problem-solving, highlighting the enduring need for human intervention and adaptive problem-solving skills, especially as technologies evolve and more complex issues arise.
Insights from the authors illustrate the balance between predictive and adaptive problem-solving with the recommendation that manufacturing companies focus on developing the problem-solving abilities while integrating advanced digital technologies. This balanced approach, leads to more sustainable benefits and prepares for an industrial future where human intellect complements technological advancements.
RYAM & KCF Technologies
Moving Equipment into a Precise State
Discover RYAM’s transformative journey with KCF Technologies, enhancing equipment reliability and safety across all manufacturing facilities. Since 2021, RYAM has installed over 2,600 KCF sensors in Jessup, Georgia, achieving 95% coverage of critical machinery. This adoption of KCF’s 24/7 monitoring technology minimizes routine checks, averts failures, and boosts efficiency. The initiative demonstrates RYAM’s dedication to innovation, equipment longevity, and environmental sustainability in the industrial sector.
Case Studies
Kaneka – Transforming Culture in the Digital Business Landscape
Chemicals
Georgia-Pacific – Transforming Industries: The Power of Remote Monitoring and AI
Forest Products
Keystone Clearwater Solutions – Remote Monitoring on 100% of Critical Pumps and Motors
Oil & Gas
Calfrac Well Services – Ensuring Reliable Hydraulic Fracturing
Oil & Gas
Stopping the Vulnerability with Drilling Rigs
Oil & Gas – Drilling
Municipal Utility District, Katy Texas
Utilities
Stamping Press Crown Downtime Avoidance
Automotive
Top Drive – Traction Motor
Oil & Gas – Drilling
Machine Health Stories
Machine Health at Scale
Georgia Pacific and KCF Technologies
Experience the predictive machine health transformation of Georgia Pacific, a global leader in forest product manufacturing, as they optimize their operations -scaling from 20,000 to over 60,000 KCF Technologies sensors in just five years. Discover how this monumental scaling endeavor has revolutionized their business, slashing unplanned events by a jaw-dropping 50%, resolving systemic issues company-wide, and empowering every individual, regardless of position, with invaluable machine health data.
Empowering People with Technology
St. Croix Tissue and The University of Maine
“Investing in our program is one of the ways you end up with someone like Matt Cowen coming in to give a presentation to students, having a student. Alex Daigle, who’s sitting in that audience, then goes to work for your company, St. Croix Tissue, and brings this technology to fruition in less than a year after graduation and really makes a huge impact on your business.”
Carrie Enos
President of the Paper and Pulp Foundation
University of Maine
Why KCF
Over 600+ Manufacturing locations trust KCF Technologies
with their Asset Monitoring.
Why?
Because they are gaining a competitive edge.
An average of 10x ROI.
Introducing the Smartsensing Mobile Kit
Gain the flexibility of the KCF Technologies Comprehensive Machine Health Platform with a kit designed with flexibility in mind. Each mobile kit includes everything to get started with basic monitoring of an asset.
Each kit includes:
- 6 High-Definition Wireless Vibration Sensors
- 1 Base Station Gateway
- Access to SMARTdiagnostics software
- Access to KCF Academy
Get started today.
2023 Summit Keynotes
The 2023 Manufacturing the Future Summit was a monumental success! We’re thrilled to announce that our keynote speeches are now available virtually.
Hear from industry leaders on topics such as:
- The Case for Digital Transformation
- Digital Twin: Moving Beyond the Buzzwords
- The Pulping Reliability Challenge
- and more
JEREMY FRANK
Co-Founder and CEO
KCF Technologies
CA MCDONALD
Sr. Director of Reliability
RYAM
MARK ROSEN
President U.S. Division
Calfrac Well Services
DAVID BONFANTE
Senior Director of Asset Health
Georgia-Pacific
YAHYA KHAN
Sr. Reliability Engineer
Clarios
RUSSELL WHITNEY
IOT Manager
Precision Drilling
