QRM Shop Floor Mastery New Cell Design and Scheduling for High-Mix, Low-Volume, and Custom Production

Introduction to QRM and the Role of Shop Floor Cells

• Understanding the fundamentals of QRM and the importance of cells in reducing lead times.
• Key aspects of cell design for high-mix, low-volume production.

POLCA: A Visual Control System for Complex Production

• Detailed exploration of POLCA and its unique hybrid push/pull approach.
• How POLCA enhances team coordination, reduces scheduling stress, and improves job flow.

Designing and Implementing Effective Shop Floor Cells

• Identifying Focused Target Market Segments and designing cells to meet production needs.
• Practical guidance on equipment, labor considerations, and overcoming challenges with shared resources.

Advanced Shop Scheduling and Capacity Planning

• Techniques for managing capacity, lot sizes, and inventory in cell-based production.
• Using POLCA to support cell teams and maintain optimal flow on the shop floor.

Steps to Successful Implementation and Industry Success Stories

• Stepwise guide to implementing cells and POLCA, including strategic and financial justification.
• Case studies showcasing how companies have transformed their operations through cell design and POLCA.

Registration Date/Time:
6/24/2025 7:30am Central Time

Event Dates/Times:

• 6/24/2025  8:00am - 2:30pm Central Time
• 6/25/2025  8:00am - 2:30pm Central Time

• Program Director

  James Rink

• James Rink

  Director, QRM Center

  Dr. Rink brings over 35 years of experience in manufacturing, advanced technology, and operational excellence. Throughout his career, he has led global teams in China, Europe, the US, Mexico, and India, driving collaboration, enhancing manufacturing competitiveness, and achieving exceptional results. His tenure at Caterpillar spanned 31 years, concluding in roles as General Manager and Multi-site Operations Manager. Over the past five years, he has successfully managed his own consulting firm, Integrity 360 Leadership, delivering strategic manufacturing insights to companies such as Oshkosh, McNeilus Truck, and L&T Technology Services (LTTS).
  
  Additionally, Jim has served as an adjunct faculty member at Bradley University, teaching manufacturing processes, and currently serves as an adjunct faculty member in the Colllege of Business' Organizational Leadership department at Lewis University.
  
  Jim has a diverse educational background, holding a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and a master's degree in manufacturing systems engineering from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, an MBA from Northern Illinois University, and a doctorate in Interdisciplinary Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship from Governors State University.
  
  

  Beyond his professional achievements, Jim is actively involved in his community, serving on the advisory board for the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies at the Unviersity of Wisconsin–Madison, and holding director roles on his local Workforce Investment Board and regional economic devleopment organization.

If you are planning to attend an Interdisciplinary Professional Programs course, payment is required at the time of registration. Below are the payment options:

Pay by Credit Card

Enroll online and pay by credit card.

• Search for the course on the website and then click on the Enroll Now button from the course webpage.
• Enter all necessary course attendee information and payment information on the course enrollment page.
• You will receive an email to confirm successful enrollment and payment.

Enroll over the phone and pay by credit card.

• Call CERC Registrations at 608-262-2451.
• Provide the registrations representative with:
  • the course name, dates, and/or course number.
  • the necessary course attendee information and payment information.
• You will receive either a mailed document or an email to confirm successful enrollment payment.

Pay by Check

Mail in a completed registration form and check payable to UW Madison.

• Fill out a registration form (found either in the back of the course brochure you received in the mail or here).
• Prepare a check, made payable to UW Madison.
• Mail the registration form and check to: CERC Registrations 21 N Park St, Ste 7101 Madison, WI 53715
• You will receive either a mailed document or an email to confirm successful enrollment and payment.

Pay by Purchase Order

• Request Purchase Order information from interpro@union.wisc.edu
  • If a fee quote is needed, contact custserv@interpro.wisc.edu first
• You will receive an invoice from UW–Madison Business Services for payment, usually within 3–5 business days

Military

If using SF-182 form, please call our registration number at 608-262-2451 or email interpro@union.wisc.edu for details and instructions.

Event Cancellation

We reserve the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or unforeseen events. If we cancel a course, participants will be notified via email or phone and will be given the option for a full refund or to transfer their registration and any fees paid to another course. We are not responsible for non-refundable plane tickets, hotel reservations, and other travel related expenses. For enrollee Course Cancellation, refer to notes on course page.

If you cannot attend, please notify us no later than one week before your course begins, and we will refund your fee. Cancellations received after this date and no-shows are subject to a $150 administrative fee. You may enroll a substitute at any time before the course starts.