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The Resource Center has all the info you'll need From content to user feedback, the resource center has the information you need for every level of the entrepreneurial process.
After leaping into "Lean," Southern Vinyl Manufacturing gained efficiencies in nearly every area of its operations. Specifically, entrepreneur Rod Matthews explains the challenges and rewards of involving employees in finding and eliminating waste using the "Five Why" process. As a result of "getting lean," the company resolves manufacturing problems by digging deeply to identify root causes instead of just treating symptoms.
The Six Sigma manufacturing process drives production to near-perfect levels, seeking less than 3.4 defects per million output units. Here, the basic purpose and process of the Six Sigma methodology, and its connection to "lean" manufacturing, are clearly explained for entrepreneurs. The article also provides tips on getting started and guidelines to successful implementation.
Does Six Sigma methodology have benefits small- to medium-sized entrepreneurial manufacturing firm? "Yes!" proclaims this author, a Six Sigma Master Black Belt. He provides an overview of, outlines four actions needed for a company to succeed with, and defines steps to deploying Six Sigma.
As Buck Knives, Inc., celebrated a century in business, it also faced a cash crunch that was putting it out of business. CEO CJ Buck shares how his team took dramatic action (including moving the company from Southern California to northern Idaho) to fend off high-quality global competitors and to turn the historic and highly regarded company around with its own version of the Toyota Production System (TPS).
What does "Lean" mean? This article provides the basic background, terminology, and insight entrepreneurs need to understand how specific, proven processes lead to reduced costs, improved quality, and delighted customers. It also briefly considers the next logical extension of Lean Manufacturing (Lean Thinking), which allows service companies to benefit from the hard-won lessons of manufacturers.
Is your business data safe from outsiders? Fred Langa, Information Week, provides points to help prevent data theft, identity theft, and private information falling into the wrong hands. Included are links to the tools and resources outlined in the article.
Lesson seven in a thirteen-part course about starting a business, this module offers information, advice, checklists, and sample leases to determine the right location for your business--and the right deal.
Responses to your RFPs have come in and now you have to decide who wins. This article provides specific guidelines on setting up an objective review system that increases the odds of choosing the best bid for your project and for your company.
Subleasing offers number of advantages for growing companies, but there are also pitfalls to avoid. This article provides an overview with key specifics listed and explained.
Business intelligence has traditionally been a tool only for senior executives. But high-performing new technology enables BI to transform processes, even entire businesses. Chief Information Officers must realize that wider access is critical for managers at several levels.
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