Hardware Is Forever

In our first episode where we're diving in earnest into Dr. Deming's 14 Points of Management, we're working to discover the key to long-term success by creating constancy of purpose. As Jay Patel, CEO of Amtech, sees it, amongst fierce competition, staying ahead and outmaneuvering rivals - and sometimes our own worst habits or impulses - can be a challenge. Dr. Deming's first principle for management, creating constancy of purpose, is more crucial than ever and can act as a kind of north star, keeping us true in direction. Join us as we explore what constancy of purpose and how it can provide stability, grounding, and focus for individuals and businesses alike. Plus, we discuss the delicate balance between staying true to your purpose and adapting to the ever-changing market and how we understand the concepts of constancy of purpose in the context of other challenges and approaches.

Your value stream is the series of steps required to deliver your product or service to your customer, and it's at the heart of creating efficiency and the value promises of Lean Manufacturing. In this episode, Amtech CEO Jay Patel joins us to explore the essential process of Value Stream Mapping (VSM) and explains how it transforms operations by revealing waste and refining workflows. We discuss the importance of aligning every step in production—from raw materials to the final product—with what customers truly value (which requires you to know what your customers truly value!), and why eliminating non-essential activities can dramatically improve productivity and satisfaction.
Jay shares examples of how mapping a process reveals inefficiencies like unnecessary movement between distant workstations or redundant steps in a production sequence and demonstrates how simple changes—like reorganizing workflows or eliminating extra steps—can significantly impact efficiency and free up resources. We also talk about how organizations can balance efficiency with delivering personal, high-value experiences that resonate with customers. If you're rearranging a factory floor or refining a service process in your business, Value Stream Mapping is is a powerful way to continuously improve and stay competitive. Featuring Jay Patel.

When industries evolve, companies that don’t keep learning get left behind. Think of how quickly AI is reshaping countless fields—if your team isn’t continuously learning, you risk being outpaced by competitors adapting faster. In this episode, we explore Deming’s 13th point, focusing on embedding education and self-improvement into the core of your business. Amtech CEO Jay Patel discusses how a commitment to ongoing development can help you stay ahead of industry shifts, prevent stagnation, and realize your team’s full capacity and potential. We share practical strategies for leaders to integrate learning into daily operations, embrace a growth mindset, and create an environment where improvement is constantly pursued. Join us as we discuss how prioritizing education can lead to a more robust, more adaptable workforce. Featuring Jay Patel.

This episode explores the importance of on-the-job training, which is point six of Dr. W. Edwards Deming’s Fourteen Points of Management. Jay Patel, CEO of Amtech, shares insights on how consistent and effective training is crucial for long-term success. We discuss the need for proactive planning and customer visibility to ensure that staff are well-prepared and training resources are utilized efficiently. We explore the distinction between education and training, highlighting that education explains the ‘why,’ while training demonstrates the ‘how.’ This episode covers practical strategies for developing robust training programs, balancing overhead costs with operational efficiency, and continuously improving processes to codify lessons learned. Join us to understand how on-the-job training can enhance productivity, ensure quality, and nurture a culture of continuous improvement. Featuring Jay Patel

In this episode of "Hardware is Forever," we explore the fifth of Dr. W. Edwards Deming's Fourteen Points of Management: Constantly improving the system of production and service. Jay Patel, CEO of Amtech, joins us to discuss the imperative of systematic improvement for achieving high-quality and profitable outcomes. Jay emphasizes that while cost-cutting might offer short-term gains, the continuous refinement of production processes, driven by data rather than intuition, is key to long-term success. We discuss tackling extreme variations first to bring processes under control and then using statistical methods to guide improvements, and Jay talks about the importance of teamwork, effective leadership, and a proactive mindset in creating a culture of relentless improvement. Join us as we explore practical strategies and the critical role of the Deming Cycle in building a robust, innovative production system. Featuring Jay Patel.