Shop systems, workflow, and fabrication support
Improved the systems behind the furniture: hardware storage, production flow, quality control, and small tools that made fabrication more consistent.
Shop Inventory
A storage wall for commonly used hardware and tools, designed to support day-to-day processing and faster assembly. Clearer visually, and easier to maintain.
The system also accounted for backstock and upcoming project needs, helping the team track what needed to be ordered before it became urgent.
Rebuilt the “Job Master” excel spreadsheet used in project management to better accurately predict material use + anticipated labor. Allowed for more accurate financial forecasting, reducing uneven cashflow.
Shop Workflow
Developed a workflow for processing, finishing, and staging machined parts so a small team could keep work moving without crowding the same area.
This included decisions around part stacking, oil application, tool condition, quality control, and how to catch machining issues before they moved further into production.
Arranged for logistics around shipment & delivery of the products for order fulfillment. Directed the team on installations, as well as developed assembly instructions for workers when external union labor was required.
Shop Jigs
Designed a benchtop hand-operated jig for consistently inserting press fittings into the aluminum pipe used across many Milder products.
Addressed alignment issues from the previous outsourced process, which sometimes required new parts to be made. Positioned the anchor point close to the press fitting to reduce pipe movement during insertion, improve consistency, and give the user better feel and control.
Brought the operation in-house to reduce logistics delays and make the process easier to monitor directly.
Designed a jig to allow for accurate assembly of Milder’s Kerel redesign, which ensured accurate alignment of floating parts. Implemented quick reusable toggle clamps, as working time on the glue made placing the alignment jig quickly very important. Produced multiples, so workers could rotate between several units efficiently and fall into a working rhythm while they dry.
