In high-mix, low-volume manufacturing, there's no margin for waste and no time for guesswork. Doing it right means rethinking what digital transformation looks like as a practical, necessary evolution for staying competitive.

In this episode, Amtech CEO Jay Patel explains why digital tools are only as good as the processes underneath them. He shares how Amtech is building its foundation before chasing shiny tech, why real-time data matters more than ever, and how AI and IoT can help make smarter decisions - if you know where to start.

From ERP systems to the idea of digital twins, this conversation reveals how modern manufacturers can use today's tools to solve problems, avoid costly mistakes, and make every run count. In this discussion, we're not just talking theory. We're sharing what's working, what's still a work in progress, and how to work on figuring it out one process at a time.

If you're overwhelmed by tech options, unsure how to begin, or want to hear from someone doing the work, this one's for you.

High-mix, low-volume manufacturing doesn’t forgive inefficiency. Every job is unique, and there’s no second chance to make it profitable. That’s why lean thinking isn’t optional—it’s essential. In this episode, we explore how principles like 5S and value stream mapping directly impact speed, quality, and team effectiveness in HMLV environments. We look at why disorganization creates hidden costs, how to map value across both business and production processes, and what it takes to set up program-specific assembly lines that increase velocity and morale. From identifying waste to designing single-piece flow assembly lines, we look at how small improvements lead to major gains—and why the first step is often as simple as getting organized.

The ability to be agile in manufacturing is necessary in high-mix, low-volume environments. In this episode, Jay Patel, CEO of Amtech, returns to explain what agility really means on the shop floor and at the leadership level. He shares how Amtech equips its team, processes, and tech stack to pivot quickly, handle constant change, and maintain quality across shifting product lines.

We talk about the realities of modern manufacturing, from AI-enabled equipment to cross-training strategies that build resilient teams. Jay also offers candid insight on whether HMLV is the right fit for every organization (Jay suggests you consider your life choices) and why adaptability, curiosity, and a willingness to rethink everything are now essential skills.

If your shop is evolving (spoiler alert, it is whether you're steering it or not) or needs to, this episode gives you the context to do it with increased agility. Featuring Jay Patel

Mass production has shaped the manufacturing industry for decades, but High Mix, Low Volume (HMLV) production offers a smarter approach as businesses increasingly need flexibility, customization, and precision. In this episode, we explore what HMLV means and why it’s becoming essential across industries, from aerospace to medical devices to advanced electronics. Amtech CEO Jay Patel explains how HMLV helps businesses create custom solutions, realize new value, and compete by designing products around customer needs rather than forcing standardization. We also discuss how AI, automation, and adaptive supply chains are making HMLV more efficient, along with the challenges it presents, from supply chain management to shifting operational strategies. 

Companies that resist this shift will face inefficiencies, rigid processes, and lost opportunities as customization becomes the norm. Others will scramble to keep up, struggling to rethink operations and supply chains. Those that embrace HMLV will lead, working with agility, reducing waste, and setting new standards for efficiency and innovation. Featuring Jay Patel.

Every business wants to improve in some way. But real progress doesn’t happen overnight. The process of Kaizen is continuous improvement through small, consistent changes. Instead of trying to overhaul everything at once, Kaizen builds momentum step by step, making efficiency and growth sustainable.

In this episode, Amtech CEO Jay Patel shares why Kaizen is a mindset that keeps companies evolving. We explore how Kaizen prevents stagnation, helps teams take ownership of improvements, and turns efficiency into a habit instead of an initiative. Jay breaks down practical ways to implement Kaizen, and we talk about how to make continuous improvement a habit, whether through structured programs or simple daily adjustments and why companies that keep evolving stay ahead of the competition.

If you want to build a workplace where progress happens naturally - and we all do - this episode is for you. Featuring Jay Patel.

When production is based on forecasts instead of real demand, waste piles up, inventory lingers, and businesses lose agility. That’s the problem with a push system—it assumes rather than adapts. In this episode, we explore how a pull system in Lean Manufacturing flips the script, ensuring production happens only when needed, reducing waste, and keeping work flowing smoothly.

Amtech CEO Jay Patel breaks down why pull-based production leads to better efficiency, stronger cash flow, and fewer bottlenecks. We discuss how tools like Kanban and just-in-time inventory create a more responsive, customer-driven process, and why this shift frees up resources to focus on innovation instead of excess stock.

If you’re still operating with a push mentality, it may be time to rethink how your systems work. Join us for insights on how a pull system helps you push out waste, pull in efficiency, and keep your business moving forward. Featuring Jay Patel.

Most of us have systems or processes in place that worked years ago but haven't kept pace with how we do things today. Or are habits or "just the way it's done around here." 

When systems evolve out of habit rather than intention, inefficiencies creep in and slow everything down. This episode explores another core principle of Lean Manufacturing: creating flow. Amtech CEO Jay Patel explains how understanding and optimizing your processes can eliminate friction, streamline operations, and empower your team to work at their best. We talk about how important it is to clear away obstacles, design your systems intentionally, and find the right balance in workloads to keep things moving smoothly and make real progress. Jay shares insights on how flow reduces waste and bottlenecks and opens the door to innovation and, ultimately, a better customer experience. Featuring Jay Patel.

Your value stream is the series of steps required to deliver your product or service to your customer, and it's at the heart of creating efficiency and the value promises of Lean Manufacturing. In this episode, Amtech CEO Jay Patel joins us to explore the essential process of Value Stream Mapping (VSM) and explains how it transforms operations by revealing waste and refining workflows. We discuss the importance of aligning every step in production—from raw materials to the final product—with what customers truly value (which requires you to know what your customers truly value!), and why eliminating non-essential activities can dramatically improve productivity and satisfaction.

Jay shares examples of how mapping a process reveals inefficiencies like unnecessary movement between distant workstations or redundant steps in a production sequence and demonstrates how simple changes—like reorganizing workflows or eliminating extra steps—can significantly impact efficiency and free up resources. We also talk about how organizations can balance efficiency with delivering personal, high-value experiences that resonate with customers. If you're rearranging a factory floor or refining a service process in your business, Value Stream Mapping is is a powerful way to continuously improve and stay competitive. Featuring Jay Patel.

When you think of Lean Manufacturing, efficiency and waste reduction probably come to mind. But at its core, Lean is focusing on what customers value most, even when they can’t articulate it themselves. In this episode, we continue our discussion on Lean and explore how understanding customer value shapes every decision in the Lean process. Amtech CEO Jay Patel shares insights on why defining value isn’t as simple as it seems and how we have to dig deeper to uncover what customers truly need—sometimes before they even know it themselves. We discuss the tension between efficiency and customer experience with real-world examples that challenge conventional thinking, like why airlines intentionally create “inefficient” processes to enhance perceived value. We also discuss how mapping workflows, adapting to changing needs, and continuously questioning assumptions help your business stay aligned with your customers. Featuring Jay Patel.

When waste goes unchecked, value is lost, and opportunities slip away. In this first episode of our new series on Lean Manufacturing, Amtech CEO Jay Patel introduces the principles of Lean and how they drive efficiency, innovation, and customer satisfaction. We discuss the importance of identifying value from the customer’s perspective and share insights on the five core principles of Lean: identifying value, mapping the value stream, creating flow, establishing a pull system, and pursuing continuous improvement. Drawing from historical examples like Toyota and Ford and modern applications in companies like Apple, we explore how Lean transforms processes into value-creating systems. Join us as we discuss how eliminating waste and focusing on what matters most can lead to extraordinary results, no matter your industry. Featuring Jay Patel.