No Nonsence Manuals Series

This great guide has been developed specifically for small manufacturing businesses that need a simple, flexible way of implementing Lean Manufacturing ideas relevant to them. The subject is explained clearly and plainly with minimal jargon. Practical application is fundamental. The focus is very much on straightforward implementation in the workplace, so you can quickly obtain benefits in costs, quality and productivity. This has been written for engineers who simply want to get on. It provides a clear concise description of all the key proven tools and techniques (over 15 of them), together with the principles that underpin Lean Manufacturing. Importantly, the guide comes into its own with the 'people' aspects of embedding and sustaining a lean culture for small manufacturing businesses. Additionally, helpful guidance is provided for 'make v buy' decision making for small businesses looking to make the best use of resources, funds and capacity, as well as concentrate on what they do best. Also, see how automation and robotics can dramatically improve production processes for small manufacturers. Key themes include: Why Lean Manufacturing is commercially essential; Powerful Lean Manufacturing techniques - simply explained and quickly applied; Lean leadership - getting the best out of your people for the long-term; Make or buy? Outsourcing considerations for small manufacturers; How automation can dramatically improve your production processes: Making it happen: Lean Manufacturing action plan. Lean Manufacturing Essentials works because it distils what the best performers do and sets out a hands-on, practical way to apply these great ideas in the workplace. Now you and your small manufacturing business have the opportunity to significantly benefit, by conveniently applying these powerful techniques on your terms.  

This book is aimed at those who wish to develop new or existing products and get them to market quickly. Ordinary practicing engineers are crying out for easy to apply engineering product development advice. How do you take the mystique out of it, keep it simple and ready to implement? The emphasis is on doing what the best performing companies do to maximise the chances of success. In addition, the goal is practical instructions and specific help for those, typically small manufacturing businesses, who could really benefit from a helping hand to do 'product development'. The focus is very much on results - developing high quality products quickly, to beat your competitors, grow your profits and develop your business. Engineering firms need to bring new products to market or develop existing ones, but often do not know how to do this in a structured effiecient way that minimises risks to the organisation. What they need is clear instructions, together with proven tips and techniques used by the most successful technical businesses. In turn, these must be tailored (to you), kept simple and targeted specifically for small manufacturers. Key themes incude: Why engineering product development is commercially essential; Developing a great NPD process with simple to follow step-by-step stages; Top tips used by the best performing manufacturers; Practical budgeting and cost reduction considerations; Significant benefits of product and industrial designers; Intellectual property, R&D and innovation - real world application; Making it happen - product development action plan. Product Development Essentials distils the crucial information necessary to achive success, taking the black art out of product development. It's a no nonsence manual written for practical application for engineers and manufacturers, who simply want to get the job done, deliver and succeed.  

The best engineers are often highly effective managers and leaders. If you are ambitious and aim to advance your career, obtaining these skills is crucial. Perhaps you've been promoted to a management position because of your performance as a technical expert. If so, what you now need are the new, complementary skills to survive and thrive in this brave new world. Likewise, for small manufacturing businesses, strong inspirational leadership and effective management is the surest way to get the very best out of your people, your assets and your limited resources. This guide provides crystal clear advice in the following areas: Leadership: This section gives you the information, tools and examples to not only develop your leadership potential, but also to inspire others and use leadership qualities to advance in your chosen field. People Management: Working collaboratively with other engineers is critical to high performing manufacturing teams. For engineers who find themselves leading teams or promoted to head-up technical units, possessing the right people skills is frankly vital. Networking: Quite simply, the quickest way to get on in your career. It involves connecting with people, sharing ideas and seizing opportunities. Also tapping into others' knowledge and experience is an invaluable way of solving technical problems. Public Speaking: A great skill engineers are rarely trained in. Learn how to be a self-assured, fluent public speaker and banish anxiety. Confidently address other employees in the workplace, represent the business externally or deliver a public presentation in or out of work. Project Management: Engineers commonly undertake work as part of engineering teams. Obtain the benefits offered by a structured, organised way of working. Understand and apply the key stages of formal project management, but better tailored to small businesses. Gain the key skills employers value. Essential Leadership and Management Skills for Engineers contains proven practical knowledge to be applied from day 1, in your current role. It's a no-nonsense manual written for you if you want to realise your career ambitions by quickly learning these complimentary skills.

Unleash the power of Computer Aided Design to deliver step-change improvements to all teams in your technical business - not just design. The focus is very much on results - bringing full 3D CAD engineering benefits enjoyed by larger firms, to small manufacturing businesses. Do you want to get the most out of your existing CAD package by doing what the best performing manufacturers and engineers do? Maybe you have wanted to get into this for a while and are considering implementing 3D CAD, perhaps making the leap from 2D? Alternatively, do you want to fully exploit 3D data in others areas like CAM, tooling and inspection, or perhaps 3D Printing? The time has never been better for small manufacturers to modernize, professionalize and reap big benefits for their production activities. CAD Engineering has the power to help you deliver superior quality, better functioning products to market, faster. For the individual engineer, they are quite simply some of the most sought after skills in industry. 3D CAD expertise does wonders for your employability. This book provides crystal clear advice to demonstrate how 3D CAD can benefit every business function, not just design. Put simply, if you are serious about remaining competitive, then fully exploiting 3D CAD is a must. For supply chain manufacturers who principally are production-based, benefits are numerous. They include improved working with supplier and client data, assembly, fitting and production instructions and procedures. Additional 3D CAD data can be used to drive better inspection, quality control, as well as manuals for service and maintenance and so much more. Wherever you are on your CAD Engineering journey you'll find great advice, tips and guidance. Contents include: Why CAD Engineering is commercially essential; Big benefits throughout the business including production and beyond; How to make the case for CAD investment in your business... and win! 3D CAD selection, evaluation and full implementation; 3D Printing without the hype - all manufacturers need to know; Making it happen - CAD Engineering action plan. CAD Engineering Essentials compliments traditional CAD training sources, by fully embedding and exploiting the technology for the good of the business. It's a no-nonsense manual written for practical application for engineers and manufacturers, who simply want to get the job done, deliver and succeed.

As an engineer, have you ever thought you should be getting paid more for what you know and do? Do you feel you should be making more headway with your career than you have? Perhaps you feel your career has plateaued? Maybe you've wondered how others seem to have made greater and quicker progress. Alternatively, have you wanted to get organised and get on for a while now, but never seem to have enough time (or motivation, if you're honest)? Do any of these points resonate in some way with you? OK, well don't you owe it to yourself to be proactive and take control of your career? This targeted, powerful guide helps you to rapidly develop yourself as an engineer or technical professional. Identify, plan, then go out and get the skills and knowledge you require to be as competive and employable as possible. Get the most interesting, the most rewarding and the best paid job you can - either at your current place or elsewhere. Position yourself to take the next opportunity you get to advance your career. Additionally, this information is ideal for planning and improving employee skill levels for teams in small-to-medium sized manufacturing businesses. Beat the skills shortage currently holding employers back, by linking skills gaps and employee development in a clever, straightforward plan. Identify the talent necessary for better business performance, improved productivity and enhanced profitability. Crucially, retain your best staff by offering them a rich range of options. Contents include: Where are you now? - How to quickly set career goals and work towards objectives; How to get organised and get on - stop procrastinating! Professional development in your current role; Preparing for the future - industry and markets; Vocational training and apprenticeships; Qualifications advice; Professional engineering institutions; Engineering publications and media; Career planning and skills identification system for small manufacturers. Successfully Managing Your Engineering Career works by matching your aspirations to the skills manufacturing industry so desprately needs. It's a no-nonsense manual written for practical application for engineers eager to get on and take their careers to the next level.

Are you worried about job security or even looking for a job now? Are you considering a change or looking for an opportunity to progress? Whatever your situation, you'll want to give yourself the best possible chance to keep your existing job or get a new one. Money isn't the whole story but it is important. Why not put yourself in a position to earn more, or at least give yourself options? Likewise, why not aim for a role offering true job satisfaction - don't you deserve it? This crucial guide examines key themes necessary to beat the competition and land your dream job. Topics include: How to search for the right job for you - not any old job: By considering and answering a short, targeted set of questions, it is possible to reflect and identify the type of role most suited to you. This is based on your skills, aspirations, industry sector and just as importantly, what isn't right for you. Organise and structure your job searching using a proven system that works: Target a range of recommended sources - the best locations for job searching success. Develop the determination and discipline to search for work, as though this is your job. The Professional Resume/CV; Forget old assumptions and techniques that everybody else uses. Instead, learn how to put together an exceptional resume/CV, uniquely tailored to what manufacturing and engineering businesses specifically need. Much of this is linked to the skills shortage. Covering Letters: Often the poor relation to the resume/CV. Learn how to put together a knockout covering letter, that will not only make you stand head and shoulders above your competitors, but will also leave the recruiter wanting to find out more, via your resume/CV and interview. The All Important Interview! Crucial information to help you prepare and succeed in interviews for technical and engineering positions. Get organised, understand and prep for the techniques routinely used by technical recruiters. How to Find Your Ideal Engineering Job works because it's based on what employers want. It is a no-nonsense manual written for practical application by technical people eager to find fulfilling, well paid positions.