The AGS Learning Center

The AGS Tech Talk Series

Industry Experts share their insights on new technologies and methods.

Episodes currently available include the following.

(NOTE: Tech Talk Episodes are presented at no cost.)

Be sure to join the AGS Learning Center Email List to be notified of new episodes as soon as they are available.

Upcoming episodes include:

Michael McKernin - Quoting and knowing your sweet spot

Al Swiglo - Important facts about hardness checking and important info about cryogenics

Bob Wasilewski - Critical areas during manufacturing and gearbox assembly for spiral bevel gears

ARVIN'S ANGLE

Strategies for Manufacturing Success

Articles by Joe Arvin

Joe Arvin is a regular columnist for Gear Technology Magazine. Below are a list of available articles, which can be accessed by clicking on the title, or by visiting his author page on the

Gear Technology Website.

Business Development for the New Year

Each New Year presents the opportunity to take a fresh look at your business objectives. Because business development is such a vital part of running a company, I'd like to present some guidelines I have found beneficial for securing new work and new customers.

It doesn't matter how efficient your plant is! - What matters is the accuracy of your quote?

To ensure profitability and avoid losses, accurately quoting jobs is the first line of defense.

Can Lean Manufacturing Kill Your Job Shop? - A Tale of Two Companies

The presidents of two manufacturing companies were having a drink in the lobby before the start of their trade association's annual meeting...

You Cannot Rely on Labor Efficiency Reporting!

In manufacturing, we all know that tracking statistics on your operation is essential for understanding how you're doing, as well as identifying areas for improvement. But what does the efficiency metric actually tell you?

The Valued Troublesome Employee - To Terminate or Not To Terminate

I'm sure it comes as no surprise that finding skilled people to work in your manufacturing facility is no simple task. But after finding them, and investing in the development of their abilities, what happens when one of them - an employee your company really needs - becomes a troublesome employee? This is among the trickiest situations a manager can face.

Strategies for Building Your Business

Joe lays out the basic truth for most manufacturing companies: If you're not moving forward, you're falling behind.

Solutions for Your Process Engineer Shortage

As you might imagine, I talk to many gear industry people through the course of my day-to-day activities. And there is one question that I hear over and over again. "Joe, we need an experienced gear process engineer. Do you know anyone who's available?"

Training – A Top Priority for Investment

Joe explains why training isn't an expense. It's an investment.

That Industry 4.0 Digital Factory Thing – (3 Part Series)

Joe presents a guide for navigating the topic of the Industry 4.0 Digital Factory.

Surviving the Labor Shortage

Strategies for dealing with the labor shortage in the manufacturing industry.

Relationship Building – The Critical Component of Success

In the manufacturing business, there are a great number of variables that factor into the formula for success. I’m sure all would agree on the basics, including competitive capabilities, quality and pricing. Obviously, you must have a well equipped facility, good people and efficient systems. However, I’d like to suggest that there is another variable that must not be overlooked.

Changing Company Culture - Meeting Goals to Achieve Improvement

An optimal company culture is essential for moving forward and growing. But accomplishing this can be trickier than you think.

Remaining Competitive - Don’t Let Technology Pass You By

In manufacturing, there are many aspects of a company that contributes to success. However, there is one characteristic that rises to the very top of the prioritized list. This is the ability to be competitive.

Keeping up with the latest technology - Observations on Robotics, Machine Tools, and Heat Treating

Since I have had the privilege of visiting numerous gear plants and research centers in the U.S., as well as 170 in 33 countries, and I closely watch the progression of technology, I wanted to share my observations about some technological advancements. For the purpose of this article, I will focus on three key areas: Robotics, Machine Tools, and Heat Treating.