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The pattern repeats itself across Tamil Nadu’s manufacturing belt. When we go to see any manufacturing facility (automotive or non-automotive), they maintain a 50-page strategic planning document prepared before each ISO/IATF audit or during a strategic planning session. Goals listed, SWOT analyses completed and KPIs defined. The auditor checks the box or top management reviewed … Read more

Seventeen years ago, I scored a perfect mark in Industrial Engineering. At the time, I was fascinated by the scientific principles behind optimizing work. How time, motion, and method could be systematically improved. But somewhere between graduation and a 14-year career in manufacturing, I lost sight of those fundamentals. I got caught up in what … Read more

Many factory owners see environmental management as “extra work.” Something you do only when a customer demands it, or when pollution control officers visit. I’ve walked into shops where waste oil is stored in open drums, chemical containers lie scattered, and scrap piles up in corners. Yet, in those same offices, you’ll often find an … Read more

In my experience, nothing puts pressure on manufacturing MSMEs like supplying to the automotive industry. Customers expect flawless parts, delivered on time, every time. One defective batch can stop a production line, trigger penalties, or even cost you the contract. Yet, I’ve seen suppliers proudly show me their IATF 16949 certificate, while the reality on … Read more

I’ve seen many factories where the ISO 9001 certificate is proudly framed on the wall. The manuals are neatly filed, and the auditor has signed off. On paper, everything looks perfect. But on the shop floor? Chaos. Parts are being reworked because the requirements weren’t clear. Workers arguing about who was supposed to check what. … Read more