The Apple Manufacturing Academy is focused on fundamentals. That’s what makes it such a meaningful opportunity for Amtech, selected as one of just a few organizations to participate in this groundbreaking program in partnership with Michigan State University.

In this episode, Amtech CEO Jay Patel shares what the experience has been like from the inside: the hands-on learning, the expert guidance, and the shift in mindset that comes from working alongside teams with extraordinary operational excellence.

We talk about time spent with Apple CEO Tim Cook, what Apple gets right from systems thinking to daily execution, and how those lessons are influencing Amtech’s own evolution. This is a story about what’s possible when people at every level are invited to think, act, and lead with precision.

Referenced in this episode:
Apple Manufacturing Academy
Wired article on the program

When systems break down in manufacturing, it’s easy to blame the machine, the software, or the spec. What’s harder to face is when failure starts upstream, inside the team dynamics, cultural norms, and delivery expectations that define how work gets done in the first place.

In this episode, Jay Patel is joined by Dana Korf, a veteran engineer and manufacturing insider, for part one of a two-part deep look into the human side of systems engineering. With stories drawn from decades of experience across the engineering and manufacturing industry, Dana reveals how unwritten rules, territorial behavior, and knowledge hoarding can quietly undermine progress, even in highly technical environments.

From tribal knowledge to the myth of clean handoffs, this episode looks at what really happens between the lines of code, behind the standard operating procedures, and inside the organizations trying to build better processes.

Every decision a leader makes sends a signal...about priorities, credibility, and direction. And not making a decision is also a decision. It sends a signal too.

In this conversation, Amtech CEO Jay Patel shares how he’s rethinking the silent cues that shape perception across his business. From hiring and branding to floor audits and team alignment, Jay explores how leaders unintentionally broadcast their values and how being intentional about those signals creates stronger reputations, healthier operations, and better outcomes.

We get into game theory, signaling asymmetries, and the difference between appearing capable and being capable. Jay reflects on how owning your current state and projecting your next step without overpromising can shape trust with employees, vendors, and the market.

The way your operation runs is already telling a story - is it the story you want to be telling?

AI adoption in manufacturing only matters if it solves real problems. In this episode, Amtech CEO Jay Patel talks with Everett Frank, founder and CEO of SnapChip, an AI-powered copilot for electronic component sourcing. Together they explore how manufacturers are using AI to make sourcing decisions faster and more reliable, especially when facing long lead times or shifting supplier relationships.

We look at why some AI tools never make it past the pilot phase, and what makes SnapChip different. Everett shares how the platform was built around a persistent challenge: how to choose the right component when the answer keeps changing. He explains how SnapChip fits into real-world workflows, complements existing systems, and improves decision-making without adding complexity.

This conversation explore how AI can close long-standing gaps in sourcing, strengthen supplier relationships, and make data-driven decisions faster and more dependable across the manufacturing supply chain.

A machine goes down. A product ships late. A customer gets frustrated. These are easy problems to spot. What’s harder - and probably more important - is seeing what caused them in the first place.

In this episode, Amtech CEO Jay Patel joins us as we explore how many manufacturers are operating with invisible gaps in their processes. From missing metrics to unclear accountability, we look at how hidden issues stack up and compound into missed opportunities or bigger problems.

You’ll learn why reporting, measurement, and communication are essential so you can respond to what’s wrong and to create a system that prevents those problems from happening at all. We discuss the value of iteration, where solving problems one at a time, building on what you’ve learned, is the fastest way to lasting change.

The prisoner’s dilemma is one of the most famous concepts in game theory: two players must decide whether to act in self-interest or trust each other. In business, we face the same choice every day. Do you squeeze your partners for every advantage, or build relationships that create value for both sides?

In this episode of Hardware is Forever, Amtech CEO Jay Patel explores how game theory helps explain why self-protection often leads to stalled deals and missed opportunities, while cooperation creates resilience, growth, and long-term profitability. From vendor negotiations to team alignment, trust and collaboration are not weaknesses. They are the strategy that sustains success.

Game theory is the study of how people and organizations make decisions when outcomes depend on what others do. In this episode, we explore how that concept applies to business and manufacturing. Whether it’s pricing strategy, supplier negotiations, or workforce dynamics, leaders are constantly operating in environments shaped by limited information, competing incentives, and multiple players. Amtech CEO Jay Patel unpacks how game theory helps explain misaligned teams, stubborn competitors, and even stalled initiatives, and what to do about it. Rather than think "process maps and spreadsheets," think: leverage, coordination, and strategy. Game theory offers a way to think about problems that live upstream of process. And for businesses stuck in reactive mode, it’s a path to playing offense again.

In high-mix, low-volume manufacturing, documentation directly affects performance. Engineering drawings and BOMs serve as production tools, not background files. If they’re unclear or inaccurate, they slow teams down and shrink margin.

Strong documentation supports profitability by reducing rework and preventing delays. When the build process is clearly documented, teams spend less time clarifying and more time producing. That clarity creates margin, especially in HMLV environments where variation and pace leave little room for error.

In this episode, Amtech CEO Jay Patel explains how better documentation leads to faster throughput and fewer mistakes. He shares how work instructions connect engineering intent to operator execution, and why change management needs to be deliberate, not reactive.

Supply chain decisions don’t just shape what gets built. They shape how long it lasts, how fast it ships, and whether it even works. In high-mix, low-volume manufacturing, you don’t have leverage with suppliers. So you need strategy.

Jay Patel, CEO at Amtech, returns to share how his team designs with distribution in mind, manages risk without hoarding inventory, and builds products that won’t become obsolete after one production run. From vetting Bill of Materials line items to forging deep vendor relationships, Jay breaks down how to align engineering, supply chain, and customer success into a system that’s both resilient and flexible.

This is a conversation about what reliability really means and the mindset it takes to deliver it at scale.

Automation in HMLV manufacturing isn’t a question of if - it's how much, when, and why. In this episode, Jay Patel, CEO at Amtech, explores how automation can reduce waste, improve yield, and streamline operations, but only when applied with intention.

Used well, automation removes friction from workflows. It reduces manual strain, improves consistency, and gives teams the space to focus on solving problems instead of managing processes. But without purpose and prioritization, automation can create complexity without payoff. It can introduce rigidity, mask inefficiencies, and drain resources trying to solve the wrong problem faster.

In this episode, we explore the trade-offs between automation and manual processes, the rise of AI-powered tools, and how technologies like vision systems and 3D-printed fixturing are creating new efficiencies in low-volume builds. Jay shares examples of when automation can improve throughput and when it makes more sense to walk it back.

Join us in a real-world conversation about the mindset, discipline, and situational awareness required to automate in a way that supports your HMLV operations.

Quality in high-mix, low-volume manufacturing is a moving target. With shifting product types, changing requirements, and limited repetition, traditional approaches to quality control often just don't work. In this episode, Jay Patel, CEO at Amtech, shares how his team is building quality systems that are scalable, data-driven, and aligned to customer standards - not internal perfectionism.

We explore the risks of overprocessing, the role of training in reinforcing what's important (and what isn’t), and how frontline audits, process-wide inspection points, and real-time data tracking help prevent breakdowns before they happen. Jay also explains how technologies like AI and vision systems are reshaping what’s possible in quality control, especially when jobs rarely repeat.

This conversation offers a clear-eyed look at what it takes to ensure consistency in an environment designed for variability.

In high-mix, low-volume manufacturing, changeover time is the silent killer. It sneaks in between builds, eats up capacity, and turns opportunity into waste. But what if reducing downtime wasn’t just about equipment or tools, but mindset?

In this episode, Amtech CEO Jay Patel shares how his team is tackling downtime head-on, from strategic investments in agile equipment to training teams like pit crews. He explains why downtime isn’t just a cost, it’s a signal, and how leadership alignment is the difference between progress and paralysis.

If you’ve ever thought, “We don’t have time to optimize,” this conversation is for you. Because the truth is, you don’t have time not to.

In high-mix, low-volume manufacturing, there's no margin for waste and no time for guesswork. Doing it right means rethinking what digital transformation looks like as a practical, necessary evolution for staying competitive.

In this episode, Amtech CEO Jay Patel explains why digital tools are only as good as the processes underneath them. He shares how Amtech is building its foundation before chasing shiny tech, why real-time data matters more than ever, and how AI and IoT can help make smarter decisions - if you know where to start.

From ERP systems to the idea of digital twins, this conversation reveals how modern manufacturers can use today's tools to solve problems, avoid costly mistakes, and make every run count. In this discussion, we're not just talking theory. We're sharing what's working, what's still a work in progress, and how to work on figuring it out one process at a time.

If you're overwhelmed by tech options, unsure how to begin, or want to hear from someone doing the work, this one's for you.

High-mix, low-volume manufacturing doesn’t forgive inefficiency. Every job is unique, and there’s no second chance to make it profitable. That’s why lean thinking isn’t optional—it’s essential. In this episode, we explore how principles like 5S and value stream mapping directly impact speed, quality, and team effectiveness in HMLV environments. We look at why disorganization creates hidden costs, how to map value across both business and production processes, and what it takes to set up program-specific assembly lines that increase velocity and morale. From identifying waste to designing single-piece flow assembly lines, we look at how small improvements lead to major gains—and why the first step is often as simple as getting organized.

The ability to be agile in manufacturing is necessary in high-mix, low-volume environments. In this episode, Jay Patel, CEO of Amtech, returns to explain what agility really means on the shop floor and at the leadership level. He shares how Amtech equips its team, processes, and tech stack to pivot quickly, handle constant change, and maintain quality across shifting product lines.

We talk about the realities of modern manufacturing, from AI-enabled equipment to cross-training strategies that build resilient teams. Jay also offers candid insight on whether HMLV is the right fit for every organization (Jay suggests you consider your life choices) and why adaptability, curiosity, and a willingness to rethink everything are now essential skills.

If your shop is evolving (spoiler alert, it is whether you're steering it or not) or needs to, this episode gives you the context to do it with increased agility. Featuring Jay Patel

Mass production has shaped the manufacturing industry for decades, but High Mix, Low Volume (HMLV) production offers a smarter approach as businesses increasingly need flexibility, customization, and precision. In this episode, we explore what HMLV means and why it’s becoming essential across industries, from aerospace to medical devices to advanced electronics. Amtech CEO Jay Patel explains how HMLV helps businesses create custom solutions, realize new value, and compete by designing products around customer needs rather than forcing standardization. We also discuss how AI, automation, and adaptive supply chains are making HMLV more efficient, along with the challenges it presents, from supply chain management to shifting operational strategies. 

Companies that resist this shift will face inefficiencies, rigid processes, and lost opportunities as customization becomes the norm. Others will scramble to keep up, struggling to rethink operations and supply chains. Those that embrace HMLV will lead, working with agility, reducing waste, and setting new standards for efficiency and innovation. Featuring Jay Patel.

Every business wants to improve in some way. But real progress doesn’t happen overnight. The process of Kaizen is continuous improvement through small, consistent changes. Instead of trying to overhaul everything at once, Kaizen builds momentum step by step, making efficiency and growth sustainable.

In this episode, Amtech CEO Jay Patel shares why Kaizen is a mindset that keeps companies evolving. We explore how Kaizen prevents stagnation, helps teams take ownership of improvements, and turns efficiency into a habit instead of an initiative. Jay breaks down practical ways to implement Kaizen, and we talk about how to make continuous improvement a habit, whether through structured programs or simple daily adjustments and why companies that keep evolving stay ahead of the competition.

If you want to build a workplace where progress happens naturally - and we all do - this episode is for you. Featuring Jay Patel.

When production is based on forecasts instead of real demand, waste piles up, inventory lingers, and businesses lose agility. That’s the problem with a push system—it assumes rather than adapts. In this episode, we explore how a pull system in Lean Manufacturing flips the script, ensuring production happens only when needed, reducing waste, and keeping work flowing smoothly.

Amtech CEO Jay Patel breaks down why pull-based production leads to better efficiency, stronger cash flow, and fewer bottlenecks. We discuss how tools like Kanban and just-in-time inventory create a more responsive, customer-driven process, and why this shift frees up resources to focus on innovation instead of excess stock.

If you’re still operating with a push mentality, it may be time to rethink how your systems work. Join us for insights on how a pull system helps you push out waste, pull in efficiency, and keep your business moving forward. Featuring Jay Patel.

Most of us have systems or processes in place that worked years ago but haven't kept pace with how we do things today. Or are habits or "just the way it's done around here." 

When systems evolve out of habit rather than intention, inefficiencies creep in and slow everything down. This episode explores another core principle of Lean Manufacturing: creating flow. Amtech CEO Jay Patel explains how understanding and optimizing your processes can eliminate friction, streamline operations, and empower your team to work at their best. We talk about how important it is to clear away obstacles, design your systems intentionally, and find the right balance in workloads to keep things moving smoothly and make real progress. Jay shares insights on how flow reduces waste and bottlenecks and opens the door to innovation and, ultimately, a better customer experience. Featuring Jay Patel.

Your value stream is the series of steps required to deliver your product or service to your customer, and it's at the heart of creating efficiency and the value promises of Lean Manufacturing. In this episode, Amtech CEO Jay Patel joins us to explore the essential process of Value Stream Mapping (VSM) and explains how it transforms operations by revealing waste and refining workflows. We discuss the importance of aligning every step in production—from raw materials to the final product—with what customers truly value (which requires you to know what your customers truly value!), and why eliminating non-essential activities can dramatically improve productivity and satisfaction.

Jay shares examples of how mapping a process reveals inefficiencies like unnecessary movement between distant workstations or redundant steps in a production sequence and demonstrates how simple changes—like reorganizing workflows or eliminating extra steps—can significantly impact efficiency and free up resources. We also talk about how organizations can balance efficiency with delivering personal, high-value experiences that resonate with customers. If you're rearranging a factory floor or refining a service process in your business, Value Stream Mapping is is a powerful way to continuously improve and stay competitive. Featuring Jay Patel.

When you think of Lean Manufacturing, efficiency and waste reduction probably come to mind. But at its core, Lean is focusing on what customers value most, even when they can’t articulate it themselves. In this episode, we continue our discussion on Lean and explore how understanding customer value shapes every decision in the Lean process. Amtech CEO Jay Patel shares insights on why defining value isn’t as simple as it seems and how we have to dig deeper to uncover what customers truly need—sometimes before they even know it themselves. We discuss the tension between efficiency and customer experience with real-world examples that challenge conventional thinking, like why airlines intentionally create “inefficient” processes to enhance perceived value. We also discuss how mapping workflows, adapting to changing needs, and continuously questioning assumptions help your business stay aligned with your customers. Featuring Jay Patel.

When waste goes unchecked, value is lost, and opportunities slip away. In this first episode of our new series on Lean Manufacturing, Amtech CEO Jay Patel introduces the principles of Lean and how they drive efficiency, innovation, and customer satisfaction. We discuss the importance of identifying value from the customer’s perspective and share insights on the five core principles of Lean: identifying value, mapping the value stream, creating flow, establishing a pull system, and pursuing continuous improvement. Drawing from historical examples like Toyota and Ford and modern applications in companies like Apple, we explore how Lean transforms processes into value-creating systems. Join us as we discuss how eliminating waste and focusing on what matters most can lead to extraordinary results, no matter your industry. Featuring Jay Patel.

Jesse Beeker, founder of TWIG Power, and Amtech CEO Jay Patel join us to discuss TWIG’s evolution from a garage startup to a leader in light electric powertrains. They share insights into the challenges of hardware development, the value of collaboration, and how the right approach to design can drive success.

Jesse shares how TWIG’s modular approach and early collaboration with an alpha customer helped align their innovation with practical needs, highlighting the smart, scalable solutions that set TWIG apart. Together, Jesse and Jay discuss the realities of hardware startups, the importance of partnerships, and how embracing constraints can fuel creativity and resilience.

This conversation goes beyond TWIG’s story to offer actionable insights on building smarter, adapting to change, and creating systems that scale. Join us for lessons on innovation, collaboration, and long-term success. Featuring Jesse Beeker and Jay Patel.

When decision-making is limited to a few voices, mistakes multiply and progress stalls. In this final episode of our series on Deming’s 14 Points of Management, we explore his 14th Point and why involving everyone in the organization is key to reducing risks and making bold moves. Amtech CEO Jay Patel explains how engaging every team member leads to smarter decisions, creates innovation, and keeps your entire company aligned for transformation. We also discuss how establishing a clear, long-term vision and setting measurable goals ensures continuous improvement and lasting success. Deming introduced this point to challenge the top-down decision-making model, where only a few leaders drive change while others are left out. He understood that excluding people leads to disengagement, missed opportunities, and poor decisions. By involving everyone, you tap into the collective creativity and insight of the entire team, creating a culture of cooperation to push your organization forward without unnecessary friction. Featuring Jay Patel.

When industries evolve, companies that don’t keep learning get left behind. Think of how quickly AI is reshaping countless fields—if your team isn’t continuously learning, you risk being outpaced by competitors adapting faster. In this episode, we explore Deming’s 13th point, focusing on embedding education and self-improvement into the core of your business. Amtech CEO Jay Patel discusses how a commitment to ongoing development can help you stay ahead of industry shifts, prevent stagnation, and realize your team’s full capacity and potential. We share practical strategies for leaders to integrate learning into daily operations, embrace a growth mindset, and create an environment where improvement is constantly pursued. Join us as we discuss how prioritizing education can lead to a more robust, more adaptable workforce. Featuring Jay Patel.