In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer interviews Michael Lynch, the founder of Praxi, a company pioneering the future of digital transformation in manufacturing. Michael's journey from Broadway to technology innovation is a testament to creativity and transformation. Praxi aims to solve the problem of ad hoc processes and excessive use of Excel in manufacturing companies by providing a digital transformation platform that allows for the creation of customized software solutions at a low cost. The culture at Praxi emphasizes respect, collaboration, and a focus on solving customer problems. The platform helps improve internal culture at manufacturing facilities by digitizing lean processes, promoting continuous improvement, and providing real-time visibility into performance. In this conversation, Michael Lynch shares advice for manufacturers going through digital transformation, emphasizing the importance of starting simple and focusing on critical metrics and lean methodologies. He highlights the flexibility of the Praxi platform in digitizing processes and utilizing AI to optimize workflows. Lynch also discusses the need for companies to embrace digital transformation to stay competitive and take advantage of productivity gains. He encourages individuals to embrace lifelong learning and leverage the knowledge available through technology. Finally, he provides insights on improving company culture, including conducting anonymous interviews, flattening the organization, and clarifying cultural norms.

Takeaways

• Praxi is pioneering the future of digital transformation in manufacturing by providing a low-cost, customizable software platform.
• The culture at Praxi emphasizes respect, collaboration, and a focus on solving customer problems.
• The platform helps improve culture at manufacturing facilities by digitizing lean processes, promoting continuous improvement, and providing real-time visibility into performance.
• Digital transformation is a joint effort between the human aspects and technology, and Praxi offers coaching support throughout the journey. Start simple and focus on key metrics and lean methodologies when undergoing digital transformation.
• The Praxi platform offers flexibility in digitizing processes and utilizing AI to optimize workflows.
• Embrace digital transformation to stay competitive and take advantage of productivity gains.
• Lifelong learning is essential in acquiring new skills and knowledge.
  Company culture can be improved through anonymous interviews, flattening the organization, and clarifying cultural norms.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
00:54 Michael Lynch's Journey
05:13 Praxi and Digital Transformation in Manufacturing
08:31 Culture at Praxi
10:57 Praxi's Impact on Manufacturing Culture
17:35 Advice for Manufacturers on Digital Transformation
20:35 Staying Ahead of the Curve in Manufacturing and Tech
31:45 Attracting People to Manufacturing
34:04 Improving Company Culture
34:46 Flattening the Organization
35:10 Clarifying Cultural Norms
35:44 Contact Information
36:22 Closing Remarks

Connect with Michael on Linkedin

Watch Michael on this amazing clip from the TV show, General Hospital on YouTube

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