Age Diversity in Your Workplace
You as a small business owner have a million things on your plate already. There’s the technical side of your manufacturing process, the marketing and sales side of the business, the inevitable legal and logistical issues that arise… But yes, if you’re not 100% self-employed (meaning, if you have... Read More...
Lean Six Sigma
You care about both quality and efficiency on your manufacturing line (or your production floor or your workshop or whatever you call it!) But did you know that these two aims are not always at odds? Many small business owners assume that they are, that speed necessarily comes at... Read More...
The Toyota Way
If you’re a regular here at Zattatat, you know that we mainly stick to advice on operations, and even more specifically, manufacturing. But sometimes it’s useful (or even necessary!) to step back and look at the institutional context that’s required for a given manufacturing practice to succeed. No surprises... Read More...
Toyota Production System
Yes, the Toyota Production System (TPS) was invented by the Japanese car manufacturer Toyota, which is now a multinational conglomerate. But it’s relevant to your small- or medium-sized business too! See, TPS is just one of many different models for Lean Manufacturing. And while lean isn’t the best approach... Read More...
Using Basic Science Research
You understand the importance of doing experiments when you need to figure out something for your making or manufacturing process. But did you know that sometimes (even often), you can save a LOT of time and money by taking advantage of research that’s already been done? And you can... Read More...
Pareto Distribution: A Tool For Root Cause Analysis
Why use a Pareto Distribution? You’ve figured out how to prevent defective inventory from getting out to customers. So you just test them, scrap the bad ones, and you’re done! No need to even think about it again, right? …right? That’s what Gary thought at first. If you’re a... Read More...
Is-Is Not
You’re committed to improving your manufacturing process. Because you take pride in your business and you want to deliver a high-quality product while making solid profits. And if you’re a regular PCat reader, you know that the best way to do that involves root-cause analysis for any manufacturing defects... Read More...
Fishbone Diagram
Yes, it’s true. Ishikawa’s Fishbone Diagram is a crucial tool for any making or manufacturing business! As a small business owner, you know that quality assurance is vital for making a good impression on your customers. And if you’re a regular PCat reader, you also know that improving your... Read More...
Process Cat Q&A!
Ever wondered what other Maker/Manufacturer Entrepreneurs are working on? What they’re struggling with? What questions they have? Well lucky for you, Process Cat decided to invite his friends over to drink coffee and read letters from people around the world! Princess Capybara reads the first letter Hi Process Cat!... Read More...
Let’s Learn About Proof of Concept Experiments
Your product is amazing and you want to make it even better! (Or it currently doesn’t even work but you know it can be great so you’re trying desperately to improve it…) Either way, you know that experiments can help you determine which things in your manufacturing process actually... Read More...
THE ZATTATAT CAST:
Meet the characters with the skills & Zattatudes who can help engineer your manufacturing success
Princess Capybara
Age: 35
Background: Biotech
Current Gig: Mold-Making
Zattatude: Seeks to geek out with the top tech she knows best
Gary
Age: 44
Background: Accounting
Current Gig: Baking
Zattatude: Lives to figure out how everything in life adds up
Process Cat
Age: Timeless
Background: Manufacturing
Current Gig: Helping People
Zattatude: Loves to teach others how to scale up their businesses
Rhonda
Age: 53
Background: Nursing
Current Gig: Woodworking
Zattatude: Celebrates ditching her bureaucratic hospital job for her hands-on craft business