Why Some Operators See Problems And Others Don’t | Lean Built - Manufacturing Freedom E138
From Lean Built: Manufacturing Freedom by Henry Holsters and Pierson Workholding
March 16, 2026 · 52 min · Episode 138
About this episode
The episode explores how different sensory personalities affect problem perception in manufacturing and discusses the integration of AI in workflows.
Why do some people naturally notice problems while others don’t? Andrew introduces ideas from the book Living Sensationally , exploring how different sensory personalities affect how workers perceive disorder and opportunities for improvement. Andrew also shares the results of his shop’s first full week of 8 a.m. morning meetings followed by shop-wide 3S, complete with funky music and a noticeable surge in improvement activity. Jay and Andrew discuss how creating space for small improvements can build momentum, and why the real goal of cleaning isn’t cleanliness, but exposing hidden problems. They also compare notes on using AI in manufacturing environments, including Andrew’s first experiments with Claude to automate CNC workflows and program an Andon status light for his workstation. Does AI have a lot of promise as a technical collaborator? Does it also have a lot of frustrations? You bet.
People in this episode
Hosts: Henry Holsters, Pierson Workholding
Guest: Andrew
Topics covered
- problem perception
- sensory personalities
- improvement activity
- AI in manufacturing
- CNC workflows
- 3S methodology
Keywords
- problem perception
- sensory personalities
- manufacturing improvements
- AI
- CNC
- 3S
- Andon
Mentioned in this episode
Products: Claude, Andon status light
Books & works: Living Sensationally
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