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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 April and October.
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, 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 2006 Forum featured presentations by managers from BridgestoneFirestone, Dana Corporation, EGS Electrical Group, and General Cable. Their talks focused on a wide range of issues, including reducing excess inventory, managing for daily improvement, value stream mapping and integrating Six Sigma and Lean. The fall 2005 meeting offered speakers from Baxter Healthcare, Caterpillar, Absecon Mills, and Pella Corporation. These presentations are summarized in The Most Recent Forum Meetings.