Technical Advisory, Consulting, and Problem-Solving Services
C-FOUR provides I.E. support in many productivity improvement areas:
Productivity Improvement, Work Measurement, and Incentives.
Productivity and Continuous Improvement using the tools of TQM and work simplification. Engineered work measurement studies using direct stopwatch time study, video tape micromotion analysis, predetermined motion-time data systems (MTM-1, GPD, 4-M, MOST), and Computer-Aided Work Sampling (CAWS). Time formula and standard data development for groups or families of work using advanced work measurement techniques including multiple regression analysis. Computer-Integrated Time Study system using the HP 600/620/660 LX palmtop PC for "automated" work measurement. Development and implementation of multi-factor (quantity, quality, scrap, rework, machine utilization, material utilization, etc.) incentive systems and gain-sharing (Scanlon-Rucker, ImproShare) type plans. Superb in-plant training programs in all work measurement and productivity improvement topics.
Ergonomics/Human Factors.
Design of the man-machine environment; manual and powered hand tools; machines and equipment; and the workplace to integrate and enhance human interaction. Reduction of fatigue, manual material handling stress reduction, decrease of repetitive motion injuries, and minimization of errors/defects. Concurrent classical IE techniques application to improve productivity. Strong knowledge base in advanced material handling equipment. Training in practical ergonomics.
Indirect Labor Cost Control & Reduction.
Analysis of indirect labor and service/support functions using state-of-the-art Computer-Aided Work Sampling with Microsoft Excel (CAWS/E). Significant cost reductions achieved through the use of CAWS in such areas as maintenance, Q.C. inspection, warehousing, shipping and receiving, tool room/machine shop, secretarial/clerical, etc... Indirect labor scheduling, work planning, and methods improvement. Special incentive systems development for indirect labor. Cost reduction training.
Quality Control and Applied Statistics.
Statistical studies of production, quality, and economic systems. Machine comparisons and machine capability studies. Statistical analyses including tests of hypotheses, statistical quality control charts, histogram analysis of production system distributions, economic analysis of quality control system design, and curve fitting/regression analysis. Design of experiments and experimental methods development. Initiating TQM that works and fixing TQM that doesn't work. Training in Continuous Improvement using the tools of TQM and Work Simplification.
Plant Layout and Materials Handling.
Small area to an entire plant facility layout analysis and design. Effective location/integration of equipment and service/support facilities based on flow as well as other-than-flow relationships. Determination of material handling systems specifications based on sound engineering economic analysis. Training in Systematic Layout and Materials Handling Planning.
Other Industrial Engineering Services.
Other areas where professional services can be provided include management/technical training and educational program development, application of production system simulation and systems optimization techniques using mathematical programming, and development of computer-based management information systems for productivity auditing. C4 has strong training skills.
C-FOUR Professional
& Administrative Staff
Karen Lindenmeyer, CEO.
Brian Lindenmeyer, COO. BSIE, Clemson University.
Carl Klebe, Director of Training and Consulting. BSME, Clemson University; MSIE Clemson University. Areas of expertise and experience: manufacturing and engineering processes, electro-mechanical product design, quality systems and ISO 9000, MRP, ERP and supply chain management, outsourcing and off-shore sourcing, manufacturing and procurement performance measurement and improvement, manufacturing and inventory costing and control, capital investment justification and project management, and management, supervisory, and associates training and development.
Dirk Van Goubergen, Software Sales Representative for Western Europe. Website: http://www.vangoubergen.com.
Mike Barrett. BMET Southern Polytechnic State University, ME graduate study Clemson University. Experience and Expertise: product development, design engineering, project management, automotive, aerospace, medical & dental devices, consumer & industrial products, electromechanical products, special machine design, system design, automation, manufacturing processes, controls, plant layout & material handling, cost reduction, value analysis. Link to Mike Barrett's Website: http://www.mebarrett.net/.
James A. Chisman. P.E., Ph.D., BSEE, Akron University; MSIE, Iowa University; Ph.D., Iowa University. Professor Emeritus of Industrial Engineering. Specialties include systems simulation (GPSS), applied operations research and statistics.