AME Milwaukee 2026 International Conference
PRESENTATIONS
Presentation
.png)
SMED as a gateway: How to build demand for lean
How three core principles drive lasting lean engagement
OVERVIEW
Reducing changeover time is a common goal in manufacturing, but lasting results require more than time studies, swim lane diagrams and quick fixes. This session will show how a well-designed SMED program can deliver not only faster changeovers but also stronger collaboration and cultural transformation.
Preston will share the three foundational pillars behind his team’s success:
1. Systems > goals: Building robust systems creates sustainable improvements rather than short-lived wins.
2. Aggregation of marginal gains: Small, incremental changes compound into significant results.
3. Prioritize “easier and etter” over “faster and cheaper”: Choosing the right priorities fosters engagement and long-term value.
Attendees will learn how SMED can serve as a gateway to other lean tools such as visual management, 5S and skills matrices, turning these tools into a natural pull rather than a push. By emphasizing employee involvement and shared ownership, this approach breaks down silos and strengthens cross-functional collaboration. The result? Reduced downtime, improved morale and a thriving continuous improvement culture.
Join this session to discover practical strategies for embedding lean principles into SMED initiatives and creating a ripple effect of engagement and performance throughout your organization.
Preston will share the three foundational pillars behind his team’s success:
1. Systems > goals: Building robust systems creates sustainable improvements rather than short-lived wins.
2. Aggregation of marginal gains: Small, incremental changes compound into significant results.
3. Prioritize “easier and etter” over “faster and cheaper”: Choosing the right priorities fosters engagement and long-term value.
Attendees will learn how SMED can serve as a gateway to other lean tools such as visual management, 5S and skills matrices, turning these tools into a natural pull rather than a push. By emphasizing employee involvement and shared ownership, this approach breaks down silos and strengthens cross-functional collaboration. The result? Reduced downtime, improved morale and a thriving continuous improvement culture.
Join this session to discover practical strategies for embedding lean principles into SMED initiatives and creating a ripple effect of engagement and performance throughout your organization.
Key Learning Objectives
1. SMED
2. Building excitement for the implementation of lean tools
3. Aggregation of marginal gains in practice
4. Metrics that measure lean success and focus on people
5. Delivering results with simple solutions
2. Building excitement for the implementation of lean tools
3. Aggregation of marginal gains in practice
4. Metrics that measure lean success and focus on people
5. Delivering results with simple solutions
Presenter
Preston Krautkramer
CI Specialist
Kerry
Preston Krautkramer is a continuous improvement specialist at Kerry with expertise in lean manufacturing and operational excellence. He holds an APICS CPIM certification and a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. Krautkramer is passionate about driving sustainable improvements through practical, easy-to-implement solutions that strengthen plant culture and performance.
CI Specialist
Kerry
Preston Krautkramer is a continuous improvement specialist at Kerry with expertise in lean manufacturing and operational excellence. He holds an APICS CPIM certification and a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. Krautkramer is passionate about driving sustainable improvements through practical, easy-to-implement solutions that strengthen plant culture and performance.
He currently leads a major SMED initiative that has significantly reduced changeover downtime and boosted operator engagement by applying the principle of aggregation of marginal gains and prioritizing improvements that make work “easier and better.” Krautkramer's approach emphasizes simplicity and people-focused solutions, delivering measurable results and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. He has previously presented at an AME event for the Southeastern Wisconsin Consortia.
View on LinkedIn
View on LinkedIn
TAGS
Click on a tag to discover more sessions with that theme, topic or level.
Click on a tag to discover more sessions with that theme, topic or level.
People-centric leadership
Level: Intermediate
