Manufacturing

A due diligence checklist for manufacturing companies that is useful for M&A activities across a broad range of enterprises.

Suggested principles for designing manufacturing innovation systems for multi-national operations.

Some cautions about the ‘China miracle’, particularly as it applies to the Chinese automotive market.

The second of two articles on the Toyota product development system. This article focuses on the challenges of implementation.

The application of lean principles to the accounting and finance functions.

Best practices for selling to the “new domestic” automotive manufacturers (Toyota, Nissan, Honda, etc.).

An overview of findings from an assessment of the tooling sector led by INC principal John Cleveland

Suggestions on successfully selling components into low volume vehicle markets.

An overview of best practices in supply chain management for automotive suppliers.

A discussion of the characteristics of strategic automotive suppliers.

An overview of the system Toyota uses for achieving excellence in product development.

The third of three articles on implementing innovation systems in mid-market manufacturing companies.

The second of three articles on implementing innovation systems in mid-market manufacturing companies.

The first of three articles on implementing innovation systems in mid-market manufacturing companies.

Applying lean enterprise principles to the design and engineering function.

A background report by John Cleveland for the Manufacturers Council of West Michigan on the competitive challenge represented by China’s strategy to dominate manufacturing sectors.

Design of an IP commercialization enterprise to commercialize under-utilized intellectual property from automotive R&D centers as an economic development strategy for the State of Michigan. Developed by John Cleveland for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

PowerPoint graphics on the world class manufacturing model.

A one-page summary of the world class manufacturing model.

A model of world class manufacturing developed in collaboration with the West Michigan Manufacturers Council. (14pp Word version)

A comprehensive look by John Cleveland at what it takes to achieve “operational excellence” in innovation in mid-sized manufacturing firms. It includes a review at the end of several leading books on innovation.

A 2002 white paper of the West Michigan Manufacturers Council drafted by INC principal John Cleveland. The report assesses the state of manufacturing and lays out recommendations for supporting the growth of the sector.