Manufacturing Mindset: Why "respect for people" is the most misunderstood lean principle
To stay abreast of industry trends, we, the editors, read countless articles and editorials written by experts from across verticals. We're always learning more about the people, technologies, and events that are making waves in the manufacturing space, and we want to share this information with you. In this brief, we’ll cite our sources and highlight columns and features that can help improve uptime at your plant.
Management
3 supply chain developments to watch in 2023 [Smart Industry]
The question on everyone’s mind in 2023 is “will supply chains return to normal?” While no one can know for certain, it’s assumed that supply chains will become more predictable, but the disruptions will remain. This article highlights three factors that may affect the future of supply chains.
The Lean Principle That Deserves More Respect [Industry Week]
It’s not easy being lean. Understanding and incorporating lean principals into your business operations can prove difficult, especially when it comes to “respect for people.” This article takes a deep dive into this specific principle and why it is essential to creating a culture of continuous improvement.
Safety and Security
Defending OT Against Cyberattacks in 2023 [Industry Week]
When most people consider improving their cybersecurity strategy, they think about the IT department. This preconception, however, fails to acknowledge the growing number of operational technology (OT) attacks. This article offers advice and insight from cybersecurity experts on what 2023 holds for OT attacks.
Technology
Seven Ways You Can Benefit From AI in the Manufacturing Industry [New Equipment Digest]
Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a big player in the manufacturing sphere. AI allows facilities to collect the data they need, and, more importantly, interpret and analyze the data so that it can be used to make meaningful improvements. This article outlines why adopting AI technologies will be essential for companies that want to distinguish themselves from their competition.
Workforce
Why Training is Still one of the Best Ways to Prevent Falls [EHS Today]
Workplace falls are more common than you might think, and this often-fatal incident spans across industries. Despite the statistic that fall protection is the most cited OSHA violation, many companies are not doing enough to prevent these incidents and keep workers safe. This article explains why it’s necessary to train employees on how to use fall protection.
About the Author
Alexis GajewskiAlexis Gajewski
Senior Content Strategist
Alexis Gajewski is a manufacturing writer and editor with nearly 20 years of experience covering the people, practices, and technologies that keep industrial facilities running. For more than a decade, she served as Senior Content Strategist for Plant Services, creating content for plant managers, engineers, and maintenance professionals on a variety of industrial topics.
During her tenure, Alexis worked to develop the brand’s digital strategy and helped launch and produce Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast. She also created The Lighter Side of Manufacturing, a weekly blog that explored the inventive and sometimes humorous side of the industry.
Alexis co-founded Influential Women in Manufacturing, a recognition program that honored 49 women in its first two years, earned an industry award for Best Product Launch, and received a proclamation from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and a commendation from U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth.
She also led newsroom operations and development at a large media company where she set editorial standards, developed training curriculum, and helped support AI adoption for more than 150 editors across 80+ brands spanning manufacturing, industrial processing, automation, and more.
Additionally, Alexis works as a freelance writer and editor, and her areas of interest include continuous improvement, the skilled workforce, and the role of emerging technology on the plant floor.
Connect with Alexis on LinkedIn
