"The Toolkit"

I have worked on 24 major process engineering projects over the course of my career. The cumulative financial benefit of these projects has been very compelling from a business standpoint, tens of millions of dollars. These projects can all be classified in two buckets…

1. Commercialization of R&D ideas and projects.

2. Step-change improvements in existing manufacturing operations.

The overarching motivation of all these projects has been unchanging: the creation of robust and profitable manufacturing processes. R&D projects are very different than working in an existing manufacturing operation, obviously. Nevertheless, there are previous experiences and approaches that are helpful in both situations. I call these experiences and approaches my “Process Engineering Toolkit”. This toolkit is what helps me navigate new projects and technologies. The toolkit, in no particular order:

1. Data analysis expertise

2. Design thinking

3. Evaluating manufacturability early & often

4. First-hand experience

5. Highly interested in high-volume production

6. Production experience

7. R&D experience

8. Stubbornness & tenacity

9. Systematic approach

10. Technical foundation

There is nothing magical or sacrosanct about this toolkit. However, it is a useful starting point for productive discussions and thinking about the “craft” of Process Engineering.

---

YOUR CHALLENGE THIS WEEK

Consider the key process experts in your organization…

• How has their toolkit of capabilities grown in the past 18 months?

• Are these process experts true stakeholders and decision-makers during equipment review meetings?

I’d enjoy hearing about your “Process Engineering Toolkit”! As always, you can just email me and I’ll get back to you promptly.

All the Best, Marty

---