Field Notes

Field Fastener announced on 12/18/19, that they have achieved their goal of reaching $100 Million in sales. This accomplishment is a huge validation of the commitment to serve their customers and utilize their culture as a competitive advantage over the past 29 years!

What could possibly go wrong? This phrase is often jokingly attached to a plan that has a high probability of a bad outcome. But, for design and manufacturing engineers, it’s a question we should be asking ourselves all the time.

The main goal of a fastener print is to provide the manufacturer the information needed for accurate fabrication.

Fasteners are expected to withstand the test of time, but strategically choosing the right fasteners, with corrosion in mind, should be done during the design stage of any product utilizing fasteners.

For most companies, corporate culture is merely window dressing. To create a culture that encompasses a competitive advantage, both the team members and leadership team need vision, a plan that is executed, and a method of protecting and enhancing the culture.

5S is a Japanese concept that originates from the 1950’s production system in place at Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan. Though it has evolved, the system focuses on cleanliness, organization, and reducing waste/non-value added activity while fostering productivity, safety and efficiency.

To reduce waste we must first SEE IT.

One of the common misconceptions about Value Added Engineering is that it is focused solely on trying to make products at a lower cost. That is one of the goals; but more importantly is a drive to improve functionality and quality while maintaining current cost.

A safe work environment is a productive one. Application of the safety standards in place at Field results in fewer accidents, lower workers compensation costs, less down time, lower repair costs, and less time training new people taking the place of an injured team member.

Why would someone in HR or IT or Accounting need to know about fasteners? Well, at Field, we want all of our team members to have, at a minimum, a basic understanding of fasteners and fastening even in those functional areas that do not deal with fasteners on a regular basis because that is the business Field is in.

Not having a good handle on your inventory needs can lead to excess and slow moving inventory. Without proper inventory management one can watch their inventory overhead slowly climb out of control.

The sky is clear, the sun is hot. The thermometer in the shade of the foreman’s tent reads 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Mamadou, a local Congolese laborer swings his makeshift pick ax at a large stone trying to dislodge a ribbon of Tin trapped inside.