Lean

How can lean-focused manufacturers change their organizational culture to motivate not just factory workers, but everyone across the enterprise—from IT, to accounting, to HR—to embrace the tenets of lean manufacturing and constantly improve their own processes for the betterment of the organization as a whole?

Today kicks off Chief Executive’s 4th Annual Smart Manufacturing Summit, featuring Harley-Davidson’s CEO Matt Levatich as keynote speaker. The co-sponsor of the event will also be giving attendees a tour of its Pilgrim Road Powertrain Operations facility in Menomonee Falls, Wis., which is touted for its lean manufacturing techniques. Chief Executive caught up with Levatich before the summit to get an inside scoop on what attendees will hear.

As most CEOs will confirm, talented job candidates are demanding more, and it’s not just about money. The factors that attract the best people—a learning workplace with strong teamwork, a chance to make a significant contribution, a purpose-driven culture—are attributes of enduring institutions and great companies.

For decades, American car makers routinely improved their manufacturing operations. At the same time, Japanese car makers were busy perfecting theirs. As a consequence, the Americans nearly improved themselves into oblivion.

As The Henry Ford System Goes Away, A New Model Emerges.