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what is the worst thing about manufacturing

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Wilson’s Answer

There are a lot of jobs related to manufacturing, but I'm assuming the question pertains to the actual manufacturing process. I can speak towards automotive, production of contact lens. and printing checks. All 3 uses an assembly line process, which means you will learn many methodologies such as Lean, 6 sigma, and just in tiime. All aimed at reducing production cost and reducing defects or increasing margins and increasing quality if you're a half glass full kind of person. If you're on the assembly line , then the work can be extremely repetitive and the risk of being replace with automation is high. If you are the manufacturing manager, then to keep all process up and running (often 24x7) you will have problems to address constantly without relief. Those are the worst things. But there are also good things. On the assembly line you get a sense of pride in knowing that it was something you built. I can't tell you how great it feels to see cars all over the world that I had a part of building. As a manufacturing manager, you are critical in the process of making life easier for everyone in society. You feel a sense of worth in making the lives of people better. Manufacturing also teaches you skills that comes in handy. If you can build a car, you can fix a car. Right? Same with anything else: computers, iPads, appliances, etc... In areas of career growth, Data Analytics, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Natural Language Processing, 5G, Sensors, and many more will be critical in manufacturing just like they will be critical in other industries. Main point is don't be limited by a traditional definition of manufacturing. You could go to college to study computer science, engineering, chemistry, logistics and still be in manufacturing. Or if your path is to skip college, then there are many resources online that allows you learn just what you need for a trade or hobby. It's a pretty cool regardless. Right? Good luck Tony!

Wilson recommends the following next steps:

"The Goal: A process of ongoing improvement" is a great book that gives you some insights into the life of a manufacturing manager.
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Owen’s Answer

Question: What is the worst thing about manufacturing? It's constant, multiple challenges. There are so many procedures in any manufacturing process that the challenges to keep them (the procedures) running smoothly and then improve upon them is a constant challenge. If you are not an individual who likes challenges then manufacturing is not for you. The constant challenges, if not approached with the right mind set, will wear a person down; mentally and physically.
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John’s Answer

The facility may be messy, not kept clean or safe. Machines may not have safety devices to protect the operator. Management may not treat you well. May have many unskilled operators thus causing many issues. May have to work too many hours because management may not be able to add more people. Depending on the job you could get real dirty.

Note: some companies may have all of this, some only one or two, others none.
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Yong Chieh’s Answer

Manufacturing sites are quite time-sensitive on product output and shipment timelines. When there are issues that hinders production output, management will tend to put emphasis on these issues and push the manufacturing team to prioritize, which could generate pressurized situations, especially when the solution is not as clear or as simple to carry out. It will be another challenge to juggle between generating viable solution for the issue at hand & completing daily tasks assigned prior. Ensure that your supervisor / HOD knows that you are part of the solution if you join in on the effort, or else it will be all for naught if it impacts your supposed KPI / assigned tasks, causing superiors to question your efforts and competency. I agree with Owen that if you don't approach the challenge with the correct mindset, it will wear you down mentally and physically, causing burnout and may get you demotivated to push forward. However difficult and challenging it may be, it will be very rewarding when you are part of the solution, as you put your wits to the test and learn from each trial and error before coming to the final answer.
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