Tech-Enabled Lean & Continuous Improvement in Manufacturing | Mark Graban

AI and automation are reshaping Lean — but psychological safety and culture still make or break continuous improvement. In this episode, Mark Graban, Lean expert, author, and host of the My Favorite Mistake podcast, shares how technology is changing the practice of continuous improvement in manufacturing — and what the fundamentals that technology can't replace. We cover: - The risks of 'dashboard overload' — why having more data is not the same as making better decisions - How AI and automation can support human problem-solving rather than replacing it - Why psychological safety is the missing link in most digital transformation initiatives - The shift from traditional Lean tools (Kanban, 5S) to tech-enabled continuous improvement - What Industry 5.0 means for leadership and culture on the manufacturing floor Whether you're a Lean practitioner, operations manager, or continuous improvement lead, this episode gives you a fresh perspective on where Lean is heading — and why the human element still matters most. Show notes and links for this episode: https://www.manufacturingtech.au/episode/49-continuous-improvement-lean-tech-data-leadership-with-mark-graban/