Lessons Learned

As part of the IndustryWeek Best Plants application process, IndustryWeek asks the 25 finalists to look back, review their accomplishments and share some of the most significant lessons they learned on the road to where they are today. For manufacturers who are just beginning the journey -- and even for those who are well on their way to world-class performance -- here is some practical advice and inspiration from the 10 winning manufacturers of the 2003 Best Plants program. The lessons learned have been categorized into seven topical areas. -- compiled by David Drickhamer

• Management and Leadership
• People, Training, and Empowerment
• Customer and Supplier Relations
• Communication
• Performance Measurement and Benchmarking
• Lean Manufacturing
• Visual Manufacturing