In this exclusive interview with Manuficient Consulting, Norman Bodek shares some of the extraordinary details of his career as a one of the pioneers in the American Lean Manufacturing movement. Norman is a publisher, professor, and author who has published hundreds of Japanese management books in English and other languages. Most recently, Norman co-authored the Harada Method, a step-by-step process for setting and achieving personal and corporate goals.

Raw material is often the single greatest expense for any manufacturing operation. It could range anywhere from 35 - 75% of total cost of goods sold depending on industry and the nature of the supply chain. Unfortunately, many manufacturing companies simply accept this as a "cost of doing business" and are reluctant to explore some of the many opportunities to reduce raw material costs.