Advanced Manufacturing Forum
This page focuses on the Advanced Manufacturing Forum, presenting general information about the history, process, format and content of the conference.
Advanced Manufacturing Forum
Objective
The objective of the Advanced Manufacturing Forum is to provide managers with a setting in which to share experiences and ideas about implementing advanced manufacturing technology (AMT) and advanced manufacturing practices (AMP), and thus to learn from each other. AMT includes computerization of all value-added activities that are related to the design, manufacture, and distribution of the firm's products to its customers. AMP includes innovative managerial practices such as total quality management, just-in-time manufacturing, design for manufacturability, and employee problem-solving programs such as Kaizen Blitzes.
History
The Advanced Manufacturing Forum held its first meeting in 1983 and remains unique in providing a setting for intensive discussion and idea exchange among managers who are introducing technological and organizational innovations. The membership of the Advanced Manufacturing Forum consists of managers from more than 300 companies who meet at Penn State in the fall and spring.
Process
The CMTOC staff helps managers to clarify problems and issues, to facilitate the sharing of information and experiences and to encourage mutual learning. Four presentations are made at each Forum meeting using a seminar-style format to maximize opportunities for participants to share ideas and information. These presentations are interspersed with small group breakout sessions that permit participants to explore in greater depth any issues or topics that are stimulated by the presentations.
Content
The current theme is lean manufacturing and applying lean methodologies to sustainability, with presentations by managers with extensive experience in implementing lean practices that focus on product design, manufacturing, and the supply chain. For example, our spring 2009 Forum featured presentations by managers from Eastman Kodak, Baxter Healthcare, Minitab, and Metalworks / Great Openings. Topics ranged from how companies are utilizing Lean and Six Sigma methodologies in their sustainability initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, water and energy use, to reducing Six Sigma project failure, to creating complete Lean systems throughout the organization. The fall 2008 meeting offered speakers from Kennametal, Blue Bird North Georgia, DuPont, and Sara Lee. These presentations are summarized in The Most Recent Forum Meetings.
