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• Now you’re speaking my language: Identifying, assessing, and developing your team’s most-needed skills

  Jun 11, 2019

  In this Big Picture Interview, learn why clear, consistent communication is vital to any reliability initiative.

• How to win your pitch to managers

  May 13, 2019

  In this Big Picture Interview, Thomas Kurtz says know what their expectations are. Know how you’ll respond. And *have numbers.*

• The crucial piece of the digital manufacturing puzzle

  Apr 8, 2019

  In this Big Picture Interview, MxD's CEO explores why manufacturers’ digital transformation success depends on people.

• Don't fear innovation (your newest maintenance pros don't)

  Mar 20, 2019

  Embrace and drive innovation at your plant by laying a strong process foundation first.

• IoT: Med school for managing compressor health

  Feb 12, 2019

  In this Big Picture Interview, learn how the IoT and Big Data are helping new engineers and technicians get up to speed.

• A realistic (and more effective) approach to error management

  Jan 23, 2019

  In this Big Picture Interview, Jake Mazulewicz, Ph.D., says focus on the root of the problem rather than on assigning blame.

• IIoT for predictive maintenance?

  Dec 11, 2018

  In this Big Picture Interview, Eitan Vesely says change is coming, but many admit that they’re taking a pragmatic approach to IIoT.

• 'Oh, wow, look what she did' — Increasing gender equity in manufacturing

  Nov 16, 2018

  In this Big Picture Interview, Amanda Saam explains why she left an industry job for a teaching role.

• Helping new hires succeed

  Oct 10, 2018

  In this Big Picture Interview, Anne Lucietto saw a skills gap in new hires, so she went back to school to address it.

• Tariffs, tech, and your supply chain

  Sep 12, 2018

  In this Big Picture Interview, learn how better data and predictive models can help steer through supply-chain volatility.

• A prescriptive analytics approach to safety

  Aug 1, 2018

  In this Big Picture Interview, Gabe Glynn’s MākuSafe looks to help plants mitigate risks before claims arise.

• Setting a standard for reliability

  Jul 2, 2018

  In this Big Picture Interview, CMRP of the Year – Rising Leader recipient Pawel Lecinski explores the value of streamlining and standardizing purchases, and rules for engagement of workers at your plant.

• Manufacturing skills: How to make yourself more marketable

  Jun 14, 2018

  In this Big Picture Interview, reskilling and retraining isn’t only an employer’s responsibility, workforce development organization president says.

• Water management: When there's not a drop to spare

  May 15, 2018

  In this Big Picture Interview, Julie Lindley explores the true risk-adjusted cost of water.

• Simple data analytics, better beer: Cheers!

  Apr 23, 2018

  In this Big Picture Interview, Deschutes discovers that you can get actionable info without analyzing every bit of data.

• Manufacturing Hiring 101: Stop chasing unicorns

  Mar 6, 2018

  In this Big Picture Interview, Mollie Dowling explores how current and looming labor shortages demand more-strategic hiring, retention efforts.

• The tricky issues with wearables: Understanding the pros and cons of collecting data on your employees

  Feb 14, 2018

  In this Big Picture Interview, Christine LaVoi explores how devices meant to promote productivity and safety also raise privacy concerns.

• 3D printing: Workforce recruiting tool?

  Jan 2, 2018

  In this Big Picture Interview, Richard Grylls examines how 3D printing can help change perceptions of manufacturing.

• "I want to get my hands dirty"

  Dec 19, 2017

  In this Big Picture Interview, Juan Chacon offers words of wisdom for fellow Gen Yers: Hands-on work is high-reward.

• Hot take: What's next for infrared

  Nov 28, 2017

  In this Big Picture Interview, Roy Huff explores the implications for industry when you can buy a personal IR camera at Home Depot.

• Smart data: Know your team's needs

  Oct 12, 2017

  In this Big Picture Interview, Tyler Grahovec says smart data is actionable data, so find out what your team is looking to know.

• How to win at energy management

  Sep 7, 2017

  In this Big Picture Interview, Joe Ghislain says sell people on it in terms they understand, and embed it into your operations.

• NFPA 70E 2018: What's coming

  Aug 23, 2017

  In this Big Picture Interview, Exiscan's Tim Rohrer explains how hierarchy of risk controls gets higher emphasis in the drive to protect workers.

• Unlocking world-class maintenance

  Jul 21, 2017

  In this Big Picture Interview, Drylock's maintenance manager offers keys to PM success and nixing superhero syndrome.

• Mad skills: Making training a priority

  Jun 5, 2017

  In this Big Picture Interview, a Nissan PdM supervisor says get creative when it comes to skills development.

• Out-of-this-world career opportunity

  May 8, 2017

  In this Big Picture Interview, a “30 Under 30” honoree says he never imagined where welding would take him.

• Be certification-savvy: Should you spend the time and money to get your people certified?

  Apr 10, 2017

  In this Big Picture Interview, make sure that certification really means something for your company and your career.

• Why automate? Why not?

  Mar 14, 2017

  In this Big Picture Interview, we explore pen and paper on the plant floor and other oddities from a Millennial’s perspective.

• How to optimize adding a new production line

  Feb 1, 2017

  In this Big Picture Interview, David Heubel explores how to get the right people involved at the right time when you're expanding production.

• Why digital photography and predictive modeling will remake the APM landscape

  Jan 10, 2017

  In this Big Picture Interview, Anne-Marie Walters explores picturing asset health.

• Manufacturing is getting speed-smart

  Oct 31, 2016

  In this Big Picture Interview, new technologies are accelerating the shift to smarter, more-nimble production.

• How to achieve PdM success: Be like Mike

  Oct 11, 2016

  In this Big Picture Interview, learn why making the leap to reliability-centered maintenance is all in your team’s mindset.

• Work backward to move forward

  Sep 7, 2016

  In this Big Picture Interview, figure out the true problems you want to solve before you plot a course of action.

• MES: Powering up maintenance and quality control

  Aug 2, 2016

  In this Big Picture Interview, learn how manufacturing execution systems can lift cross-plant consistency to new heights.

• Manufacturing excellence through pizza and continuous improvement

  Jul 5, 2016

  In this Big Picture Interview, learn how to hire for – and apply – the soft skills that support continuous improvement.

• Whose fault is it if a 3D-printed product fails?

  Jun 13, 2016

  And how can you protect your designs? Intellectual property lawyer Maya Eckstein shares her perspective.

• Maker faires: Building the future

  May 10, 2016

  In this Big Picture Interview, Dorothy Jones-Davis and Meredith Lee explore how to foster interest in manufacturing and industrial careers.

• An Rx for the pains in your assets

  May 9, 2016

  In this Big Picture Interview, a business-academia partnership aims to help companies prioritize asset tasks.

• Q&A with GE's Bernard Norris: Maintenance expertise moving outside the plant walls

  Apr 12, 2016

  "Everything is going to be digitized."

• How automation is changing the jobs outlook: An educator's perspective

  Mar 8, 2016

  Training needs to reflect new manufacturing workforce realities, UAFS dean says.

• Why automation doesn't have to be all-or-nothing

  Feb 16, 2016

  Think your approach to automation has to be “go big or go home”? Think again, says Mitchell Weiss in this Big Picture Interview

• Want to retain your top talent? Know what motivates their g-g-generation

  Jan 14, 2016

  In this Big Picture Interview, Emily Saopraseuth and Ryan Kees explore how to nix generational conflict.

• Coming soon to your plant: Iron Man

  Dec 11, 2015

  In this Big Picture Interview, Michael Davies says that advances in robotics, automation will reshape the workforce – really.

• The future of smart manufacturing: Think local, think small

  Oct 19, 2015

  In this Big Picture Interview, José Rivera explores how collaborative team approaches help companies compete globally.

• Video interview: New CSIA CEO on the future of global, smart manufacturing

  Oct 1, 2015

  In this exclusive interview, CSIA CEO José Rivera shares his thoughts on why trust and collaboration among plant teams will be key to the success of smart, integrated plant operations.

• Manufacturing Day 2015 on track for record participation

  Sep 28, 2015

  Annual event looks to broaden perspectives, spark interest in manufacturing careers.

• 'Reliability is long-term'

  Sep 11, 2015

  In this special feature interview, Ramesh Gulati says plant managers need to take a more hands-on role and a long-term financial view to build a reliability program that’s...reliable.

• Reliability success: All in the details

  Aug 6, 2015

  In this Big Picture Interview, Marie Getsug says if you want common-sense solutions to reliability issues, give everyone a seat at the table.

• Goal: Zero breakdowns

  Jul 22, 2015

  A conversation with 2014 CMRP of the Year award winner Mary Jo Cherney on the importance of balancing investments in workforce development, company culture, and new technologies to achieve reliability goals.

• Overwhelmed by the IIoT?

  Jul 16, 2015

  In this Big Picture Interview, Kevin Davenport urges mapping technology to business needs, not vice-versa.

• 'A good maintenance technician is hard to come by'

  Jun 12, 2015

  In this Big Picture Interview, Amanda Saam, a recent Somerset (Ky.) Community College graduate, wants more women to recognize the strong career opportunities in the industrial maintenance field.

• A road map for reliability professionals

  Jun 8, 2015

  In this Big Picture Interview, Joe Park explores how organizational structuring can make or break a reliability program.

• Beware shiny objects: Why consumerism's creep should give manufacturers pause

  May 15, 2015

  In this Big Picture Interview, Clay Flannigan says consumer technologies are making their way rapidly into industrial manufacturing, and vice-versa.

• Making a difference: Getting girls involved in STEM to change the future of engineering

  Mar 24, 2015

  In this interview, Jayne Beck, manager of motor control center engineering at the Siemens West Chicago plant, talks about getting girls interested in engineering and the other STEM fields.

• Time to join the robotics revolution?

  Feb 2, 2015

  In this Big Picture Interview, John Martini explains what's new, what's now and what to consider before you invest.

• Pass-along knowledge for the next generation of engineers and operators

  Sep 10, 2014

  In this Big Picture Interview, Robert Perez explores the role of the machinery reliability engineer.

• Maintenance and reliability warnings

  Jul 31, 2014

  In this Big Picture Interview, Klaus Brun explains why condition monitoring is only as good as the instrumentation accuracy and availability.

• The role of a leader: Mentoring future generations of reliability professionals

  Jul 10, 2014

  Chris Mears, SMRP's 2013 Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional of the Year, talks about being a rising leader in the maintenance and reliability world.

• Mentoring the next generation of maintenance and reliability leaders

  Jul 10, 2014

  In this Big Picture Interview, Chris Mears talks about the responsibilities of being a rising star in the maintenance and reliability profession.

• North American Maintenance Excellence

  May 5, 2014

  In this Big Picture Interview, Frito-Lay describes how the NAME Award changed its operation.

• Safety and production training at Toyota Industrial Equipment Manufacturing

  Apr 7, 2014

  In this Big Picture Interview, Tony Miller talks about the importance of the dojo.

• Make the business case for predictive maintenance and condition monitoring

  Mar 29, 2014

  Industry guru Jack Nicholas discusses the financial impact of equipment reliability.

• The financial impact of equipment reliability

  Mar 12, 2014

  Industry guru Jack Nicholas makes the business case for predictive maintenance and condition monitoring.

• Predict and manage materials by analyzing data

  Jan 22, 2014

  Tim Meyer discusses how Toyota uses information to make its supply, assembly, and delivery processes better.

• Manage data in its continuous flow through your organization

  Jan 22, 2014

  John Maher talks about the thousands of pieces of information that comes from the supply chain and goes to customers.

• Material handling and the Baby Boom generation

  Jan 22, 2014

  Gene Billings addresses the aging labor force and how automation can help.

• Engineering is a team sport

  Jan 17, 2014

  New SME President talks about the future of manufacturing.

• How do you make sense of so much information from supply to demand?

  Jan 8, 2014

  John Hayes talks about Big Data, supply chain, and material handling.

• Finger on the pulse of manufacturing

  Jan 6, 2014

  In this Big Picture Interview, Rick Drumm talks about energy management, lean manufacturing, reshoring, and site selection.

• Qualified workers at the ready

  Dec 16, 2013

  Military veterans talk about filling skilled manufacturing jobs with ex-military personnel.

• The rhythm of industry

  Dec 4, 2013

  Lean principles put New York manufacturer in tune with the industry.

• Lubrication plays a major role in Turkey’s energy production

  Nov 12, 2013

  In this Big Picture Interview, Murat Gezgin and Hakan Yildiz are convinced of the important role that lubrication plays in the optimal operation of their engines.

• Improve plant productivity with communication, data gathering, and analysis

  Sep 3, 2013

  In this Big Picture Interview, Chuck Armbruster explores the past, present, and future of maintenance and reliability.

• 4 stages of an asset's life

  Jul 31, 2013

  In this Big Picture Interview, Stan Moore says design, installation, operation, and maintenance emulate the legs on a stool.

• Take a proactive approach to asset management and maintenance

  Jul 9, 2013

  In this Big Picture Interview, Tim Goshert says proactive asset management could see advances similar to those in safety and environmental performance.

• Maintenance and reliability to the fore

  Jun 25, 2013

  Former SMRP Chair Fred Dunbrack speaks about the state of the maintenance profession.

• Why you can't have a successful organization without maintenance

  Jun 4, 2013

  In this Big Picture Interview, Fred Dunbrack says maintenance isn't just a repair thing.

• Is your maintenance team certifiable?

  May 7, 2013

  In this Big Picture Interview, George Connaughton explains how the CMRP exam identifies real-world skill sets.

• How designed-in reliability strategies may alter the maintenance profession

  Apr 8, 2013

  In this Big Picture Interview, Klaus Blache says organizations that understand equipment reliability's impact tend to support it.

• Preparing for maintenance and reliability changes

  Mar 13, 2013

  The only way to create more output at low cost is to use manufacturing assets wisely.

• Where is the maintenance and reliability profession headed?

  Mar 6, 2013

  In this Big Picture Interview, Bill Schlegel theorizes that safety, reliability, quality, energy management, and manufacturing are all connected.

• On the brink of change

  Feb 7, 2013

  In this Big Picture Interview, Gino Palarchio discusses how implementation turns ideas into best-in-class maintenance practices.

• Partnering for improved reliability

  Jan 9, 2013

  In this Big Picture Interview, Al Weber ponders the future of maintenance and reliability.

• Joint partnerships improve reliability

  Dec 18, 2012

  Maintenance and production can work together to optimize assets and output.

• Why plant managers need to become energy managers

  Nov 30, 2012

  Alexis Gajewski, digital editor for PlantServices.com, and Robb Dussault, Industrial Energy Management Specialist for Schneider Electric, discuss why plant managers need to become energy managers.

• Make the most of HMIs at your plant

  Sep 7, 2012

  Alexis Gajewski, digital editor for PlantServices.com, and Dave Henrichs, Director of HMI at Schneider Electric, discuss the use of HMIs at your plant and how upgrading your HMIs can improve efficiency.

• Operators with maintenance in mind

  Oct 26, 2011

  Global Competency Center and high-performance work system give employees the tools they need for high-hazard manufacturing.

• 5 secrets of effective turnarounds

  Aug 31, 2011

  Mario Abella, project control consultant at Nexen, discusses scheduling materials and personnel at very remote locations.

• The view from the electrical power plant

  Jul 8, 2011

  Karl Fessenden, vice president of power generation services, energy services, at GE, discusses efficiency, the smart grid and regulatory factors.

• Thought Leaders: An interview with Rick Baldridge

  May 23, 2011

  Alexis Gajewski, digital editor for PlantServices.com, interviews Rick Baldridge, Corporate Reliability Excellence Process Leader at Cargill Incorporated and Chair of SMRP.

• The Big Picture: Grainger works to revitalize the supply of skilled tradespeople in the U.S.

  Apr 7, 2011

  Grainger CEO Jim Ryan discusses what his company is doing about the shortage of skilled tradespeople.