Page 8 Lights Out Continued from page 4


even predict maintenance needs before breakdowns occur. This predictive maintenance


capability not only minimizes downtime but also extends the lifespan of machinery, maximiz- ing the return on investment. As AI continues to advance, it can refine production processes, identify inefficiencies, and make real-time adjustments to ensure optimal performance. By harnessing the power of automation, robotics, and AI, fac-


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tories can operate 24/7 with min- imal human intervention, lead- ing to enhanced productivity and reduced waste. However, the challenges of high initial invest- ments, job displacement, and the need for reliable AI systems must be carefully navigated. As technology continues to


advance and industries adapt, the concept of Lights Out Manu- facturing holds the potential to reshape the manufacturing land- scape, ushering in a new era of production efficiency and innova- tion. r


September 2023


Silicon Mountain Sees Significant Leap in Efficiency


Continued from page 1


manufacturing processes. His vision has been instru-


mental in addressing the chal- lenges that arise as organizations grow into what he calls “semi-cor- porate” entities. Garcia has been a part of Silicon Mountain since ear- ly 2022. As the Operations Manag- er, he is responsible for production, the engineering department, and the quality department. His experience is hard earned


and comprehensive. Putting him- self through college while working full time helped to hone his time management and efficiency skills. Being exposed to manufacturing processes and being successful at different companies for three decades allowed him to come into Silicon Mountain with a fresh set of eyes to curb inefficiencies and drive ownership with data and metrics. Most importantly, he said that he has been able to bring the team together. As the company evolves and


adopts ISO controls and proce- dures for accountability, it re- mains cautious about avoiding the pitfalls of excessive corporate red tape. Garcia recognizes that too many rigid procedures can hinder flexibility, which, in turn, leads to inefficiencies. He illustrates this with a straightforward example of manufacturing orders where in- flexible procedures result in un- necessary downtime between pro- duction runs, leading to wasted time and resources. “Let’s say you have two man-


ufacturing orders of product ‘A’ to run back-to-back of 3,000 units. After the first order is complete, should you empty your production line and start the second order or should you wait for the first arti- cle to be completed before continu- ing production of the second or- der? Your procedures state to completely finish the order before moving the second, and you have to wait for the first article to be


completed before moving for- ward,” Garcia says. “This is a huge waste of time,


in which nothing has changed on the production line. Programs haven’t been changed, fixtures haven’t been changed, machine profiles haven’t been changed, and production staff hasn’t been changed. There is a loss of one full hour, or more, due to lack of flexi- bility in procedures. This is one of many pitfalls manufacturers fall into when growing into semi-cor- porate status.”


Culture of Flexibility By fostering a culture of flex-


ibility, Silicon Mountain Contract Services, LP, has achieved re- markable results. “Our through - put has improved by nearly 250 percent over the past year, lead- ing to higher profit margins and zero overtime since January 2023,” adds Garcia. Customer satisfaction re-


mains at the core of Silicon Mountain’s business model. As an electronics contract manufac- turer, the company understands the importance of providing ex- ceptional service to support its clients, allowing them to focus on their core business while Silicon Mountain manages the manufac- turing processes efficiently. Gar- cia says, “We will continue to drive efficiency initiatives with- out sacrificing quality.” In line with its commitment


to continuous improvement, Sili- con Mountain aims to expand its capabilities into ITAR, medical, and aerospace industries in the coming year. This strategic move aligns with the company’s vision of diversifying its offerings while maintaining its high standards of quality and customer service. Contact: Silicon Mountain,


1400 Shilo Drive, Nampa, ID 83687 % 208-461-7495 E-mail: info@siliconmtn.net Web: www.siliconmtn.net r


EV Revolution Could Put Native Communities at Risk


Continued from page 6


jamin, was “passed during a pe- riod of exploration and exploita- tion of the American West.” “If the regulations are reim-


plemented, or redrafted, that could lead to more consultation with tribes,” says Benjamin. “This is especially important in areas that may be off-reserva- tion but still of cultural impor- tance to tribal communities to ensure that their interests are fully taken into account when people mine for those materials.” Benjamin also recommends that the Bureau of Land Man-


agement strengthen their


process for including Native communities in the agency’s de- cision-making procedures. While Benjamin acknowl-


edges that the transition to greater electric vehicle use is im- portant for achieving climate and environmental justice goals for a number of disadvantaged communities, she says it’s impor- tant to ask: “How do we make sure that the transition not only provides benefits for these com- munities but also does not fur- ther disadvantage them?” Web: www.lclark.edu r


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