Thomas Beier Email & Phone Number

Kohler, Wisconsin, Us

Global automation support for all of Kohler Faucets, Metals, Vikrell and GlassManaged automated equipment specifications for new China manufacturing facilityWorked with local and overseas vendors to spec out equipment, get it built within a specified timeline, delivered and installed in the facility.Coordinated between multiple companies to get their equipment to work together through a SCADA platformTraveled to multiple facilities domestically to create key standards for the use of automation within the facilities, including use cases, safety, and preferred vendors and brands of hardwarePersonally upgraded 45+ pieces of equipment across multiple facilities to become Smart Factory/Industry 4.0 capableWorked with Smart factory team from an OT standpoint to set up collection of data, format the data and display needed information to manufacturing facilities globallyLead and coordinated teams in 4 different countries to bring a common look and feel to the Kohler automated manufacturing processesCreated numerous templates for use within the FMV division that were also incorporated on a company wide scaleLead the research and development of 5 different products that Kohler adopted to be their standard including an industrial remote access gateway, Ignition, Kepware, and usage of thin clients in production

Kohler, Wisconsin, Us

Lead project manager for multiple automation projects from start to finish as well as lead electrical engineer for numerous other automation projectsCollect project requirements and scope from customersCreate timeline and team requirements using MS ProjectTeam, customer and leadership readouts per timeline requirementsCreate, track and manage project budgetIntercept and mitigate any challenges and obstacles encountered by teamIn charge of Electrical Schematic creation, component selection, procurement and coordinating buildsIn charge of deployment of automation projects including installation, commissioning, training of receiving personnel and tier 2 support until equipment is decommissionedIn charge of all ongoing support calls from any of the global manufacturing sites including new and legacy equipment as well as 3rd party purchased equipment

Milwaukee, Wi, Us

Lead the Industrialization of the Encoder Emulator and Small Frame iTRAK product lines from the initiation phase through AFCResponsible for all Common Process Development deliverables and creating all processes to guarantee a smooth hand-off from design to productionInteracted and lead teams all over the world to make sure each individual contributor is providing their deliverables in a timely basis and in time for overall deliverable goals per project scheduleWork closely with the design team to catch production and assembly obstacles as early as possible in order to change the design when necessaryDesign of the production line following the production line design guidelines to optimize floor space as well as takt time and balancing the lineWork with vendors to spec out and procure all equipment, fixtures and assembly aids required to build the productExtensive travel to coordinate team members, line setup and updating key stakeholdersOrganize and lead numerous monthly readouts to senior members as well as weekly updatesCoordinate and track initial Prototype, Evaluation, Qualification and Pilot builds on the production line working with local manufacturing engineers, quality, sourcing and supply chain membersIn charge of designing and procuring any custom fixtures needed for ease of assembly and ergonomic reasonsProductivity super user for the Mequon Team. Have to track productivity goals and follow up with other users to make sure data is collected in a timely manner and reported accurately. Manage the Industrialization scorecard database using File Maker Pro. Took formal classes and have been doing maintenance, modification, and troubleshooting of the user interface and underlying code to make the user experience easier and more straightforwardGreen belt certification in Lean/Six SigmaLead all PFMEAs and DFA meetings to ensure all failure effects are thought about and mitigated as much as possible

Milwaukee, Wi, Us

Designed final functional testers to test completed modules based on Product Requirement Document. Had software in place to troubleshoot failures and help with root failure analysisWorked hand in hand with product development, industrialization, quality and manufacturingWrote tests in C++ and C# using Visual Studio Suite integrated with TestStand to automate all tests and reduce/eliminate operator interactionWrote test instruction, procedures, and maintenance and calibration guidelines for the use of the test equipment and custom softwareDeveloped ladder logic programs in RSLogix to control PLC and interact with different pieces of hardwareWrote test specifications, test plans and system analysis reports for the final system useCreated specifications and procured hardware for equipment buildProvided Tier-2 technical support to manufacturing in support of test equipmentTraveled to manufacturing facilities to provide onsite support and installation of equipmentEstimated, reviewed and monitored test equipment project costs and schedules. Provided updates and adjustments when projects would change from original planPerformed MSA trials of the test equipment before it entered into production and presented findings to Black Belt champion for approvalCoordinated calibration of all pieces of equipment used in production as well as maintaining the calibration scheduleMet with vendors and specialized equipment suppliers to design/procure custom fixtures for testing needsWorked with UL/CE/TUV agencies to get certification on systems and perform testing in external test labs to verify compliance of regulationsWorked with internal customers, manufacturing, to ensure all concerns were addressed and all training of the equipment was completed to a satisfactory level