Tom Hower

February **, ****

**** ********* **. **** *****: 616-***-****

Hudsonville, Michigan 49426 Email: advoch@r.postjobfree.com Cover Letter

Subject: Applications Developer /Continuous Improvement Manager / Manufacturing

Engineer Technology-based solutions can significantly impact efficiency and OEE, which can justify a quick ROI but does not stop there. The intangible benefits can be numerous, better quality, less employee fatigue, decreased cycle time, and less training time; required for new operators. As a problem solver, I have created applications/processes with cost savings equal to or greater than my salary for over 20 years. I have written these applications from a Manufacturing Engineer perspective to increase efficiency, improve quality, and reduce waste.

I continually drive to automate manual tasks and provide accurate and precise information to create an environment that requires minimal non-value-added operations. I embrace the 8-D problem-solving methods, The Change Process, and Lean Manufacturing Practices.

Throughout my resume, you will find I meet the requirements for an application developer, Manufacturing Engineer, and Continuous Improvement Manager.

I worked in Mexico for one year creating solutions through applications to control the shop floor when a job was released until it went to shipping. This set of applications optimized the changeover of electronics assembly machines by optimizing ordering pick-list parts and automatically printing labels. My most recent project in the furniture industry took assembly lines supplied by a paint line using a 4-6 pc flow to a 1- piece flow. It provided a pull system to help level all the assembly lines to maintain a balance of pallets coming off the line. At a high-level view, one complete kit is placed on a skid; then, one is placed on the paint line. This system included Print On Demand which provided simplified BOMs sectioned by zones, several different types of labels, and View On Demand to display drawings from the ERP system. (NAV)

- Key member of the ERP change from E2 to Microsoft Dynamics NAV on-premise team.

-Over 28 years in Information Technology Support, starting with writing Insurance Rating Programming software.

-Over 20 years of experience in supporting manufacturing in technology-based solutions.

-Proven customer service and problem-solving skills, providing remote support service.

-Green Belt mentor certified with Flex and Invensys

-On Call 1 or 2 weeks a month, handling most issues remotely.

-Changed VLANs as needed on switches, setup phones, setup PCs, and managed Microsoft 365 Admin

-Documented over 1000 pages of application notes and troubleshooting logs.

-8 Years U.S. Army Active Duty Services

-Leadership roles from over four years in the US Army as a squad leader, leading green belt teams, Kaizen events, and led projects to accomplish company core tasks.

-Designed solutions by creating applications that reduce labor, increase quality, and increase efficiency.

-Eight years in the U.S. Army and a few of those years as a squad leader.

-Led Green Belt teams as a mentor, teaching operators Lean Principles and skills. These teams worked with all departments to solve roadblocks that interfered with efficiency goals.

-I lead by example and have a strong history of promoting involvement by leading/teaching lean manufacturing and certifying/training machine operators, as well as eight years in the US Army. I thrive on new challenges and opportunities ahead and look forward to an opportunity to discuss my qualifications for being a member of your company and answer any questions that you may have. Feel free to contact me anytime.

Sincerely,

Tom Hower

BACKGROUND SUMMARY

Applications developer with over 20 years of combined experience as a Developer, Senior Manufacturing/Test Engineer with a solid emphasis on solving problems applying technology to automate tasks, and implementing lean manufacturing projects to reduce costs. Have a track record of creating solutions to reduce annual operating costs equal to approximately $80,000-$178,000 annually. Expert/Advanced in the following applications:

• MS NAV

• C/AL – Troubleshooting

• Visual Studio 02-19 dev VB

• 365 Admin

• MS Office

• VBA(Macros) over 10,000 words

• Publisher

• MS Automate (used to be Flows)

• Access

• One Note

• Visio

• CMS -Drupal/WordPress

• Windows 3.11, NT, 2K, Vista, XP,

W10, Server 2012-2019

• Ultimaker Cura 3D Printer Slicer

• MS SQL Server

• MS Office 95-2016, 365

• E2 Shop System

• Adobe Professional 9

• DOS/OS/2 Warp4, Win 3.11

• Monday.com

• Update Switches as needed

• Connectwise

CAREER HISTORY

OMT-VEYHL, Office Furniture Holland, Michigan Jan 2016 – Jan 2023 Applications Developer L2:

Wrote many applications that pulled data from the ERP system MS NAV (Microsoft SQL) in external apps to allow production lines to be flexible enough that each pallet on the conveyor could be a different product and customer. This provides the operator with what they need when they need it regarding Drawings, Labels, On-Line Manual QR Codes printed on demand, and a hardware list that needs to go in a bag.

-[Earn A Package Label Application] that checks to ensure the package has all items required and appropriate items are programmed or tested. This integrates the data from the ERP system application. Packages that do not meet the requirements will not be processed, do not get the customer’s package label, and cannot be added to a skid to reduce shipping errors.

-[View On Demand / Print On Demand] As pallets enter a work zone, the barcode is scanned, and required information is presented on screen and label printers to provide information on demand.

-[Automated Inventory Transfers/Job Postings] Operators/Material Handlers can scan a Kanban card to post jobs and transfer material without special permissions or a delay in time inside of MS NAV.

-Created a process using applications for an automated paint line that uses a dynamic schedule, pulled from MS- NAV, prints load sheets on demand for each rack, and sends data to the automated paint system. Once the painting is complete, a manifest of the BOM is printed with items showing in zones and a barcode to route through conveyors and signal other applications along the way to trigger functions. In the unload station, a layout is displayed, so the parts are presented to the line in the most ergonomic direction and provide a standardized work process.

-Created an application to audit shipments to ensure what goes on the truck is logged into the ERP System.

-Created an application to perform required tasks that once were done by team leaders by automating non-value add tasks. The software is designed; so the operator does not touch the keyboard; all responses are by barcode scans.

-Created many applications to perform other tasks throughout the shop, from managing the rework process to checking data integrity for any situation that caused downtime from order entry, BOM errors, or missing data.

-Worked closely with the company’s UL/Intertek manager and understood the specifications that impacted the labeling. I also designed every label used in production and the delivery method to provide that label.

-Assist with hardware and server installs, VLAN changes on network switches, setting up VLAN Phones, and creating RFID Cards for door tags.

-Key member of the ERP change from E2 to Microsoft Dynamics NAV on-premise team.

- In MS NAV, assisting users with issues, training, and adding fields and functions.

Tom Hower

6722 Knollview Dr. Cell Phone: 616-***-****

Hudsonville, Michigan 49426 Email: advoch@r.postjobfree.com Tom Hower

-During my first several years at OMT-Veyhl, I was one of two people supporting the company in IT. I had to know and support all areas of the network, including setting up new computers, changing VLANS on ports of switches, punching down CAT6, reserving IP addresses, setting up new users in Active Directory, restoring files from backup, and limiting machine names and users to a specific PC. During my first month there, we were hit with ransomware while my supervisor was in Mexico. We lost one hour of data, and the system was fully restored within 3 hours.

-Led several projects requiring multiple people and resources to implement projects.

-Due to an economic downturn, my position, and many others, was eliminated, and production was down to 32 hrs. a week.

Flextronics/Saturn Electronics/Automotive Division, Coopersville, MI June 2010 – Jan 2016 2nd Largest Electronics Manufacturer in the world as an American supply chain Solutions Company that offers design, manufacturing, distribution, and aftermarket services to original equipment manufacturers OEMs. Test Engineer (Because of the confidential nature of my solutions at Flextronics, descriptions are vague, and all the solutions are not listed)

• Designed software application that analyzed hundreds of thousands of data files saved in flat CSV files and wrote an application solution that used Distributed computing. Computers could be added, removed, or fail, and the remaining automatically took over.

• Traveled to China for tool change on an automotive facility during Chinese New Year in 2015.

• Subject Matter Expert (SME) team with the corporation and traveled to other Flextronics locations when critical issues arose.

• Created a backup application to backup FoxPro databases (Non-relational) that used being used 24/7 where a segment of data is copied locally, then copied to a NAS without slowing down the automation.

• Facility had five years of 100% on-time delivery and zero PPM to the customer. INVENSYS CONTROLS, Holland, Michigan (Facility Closed Dec 2009) August 1996 – March 2010 An appliance and automotive controls, electronics, and mechanical manufacturer. Senior Applications Developer – Matamoros, Mexico Contract-Temp-Job August 2009 – March 2010

• Created shop floor control system using processes and applications allowing manufacturing, warehousing, customer service, shipping, and supervision to communicate using information from the ERP system.

• Set up a system for product and shipping labeling data to be retrieved from the ERP system.

• Assisted technicians in troubleshooting insertion/spray, sequencing machines, and curing systems.

• Provided bi-lingual applications for printing barcode labels, Print On Demand (POD) work instructions, operating machines, pulling stockroom parts, determining routing information and tracking real-time efficiencies, and creating 300 pages of documentation for installation and application use and SQL Database structures.

• Mentored new engineers in new product development, lean manufacturing, value-added versus non-value-added efficiencies, effectiveness, maintenance, and troubleshooting techniques for machines and applications. Senior Applications/Manufacturing Engineer Holland, MI, Location Closed April 2004 –August 2009

• Worked with new product introductions, approved new parts, improved efficiencies, certified operators, and created and maintained facilities applications used in production and tracking.

• Provided 24-hour on-call support managing responsibilities for creating and updating production and shipping labels and system.

• Served as Green Belt mentor for six years by leading production cells through lean projects targeting safety, waste, and non-value-added activities, improving operational efficiencies. The team averaged $80,000 a year in cost savings.

• Designed applications for managing several department activities using Print On Demand (POD) system, parts ordering system, label printing, and machine optimization connecting all departments with the production schedule and one Shop Floor Control System. Managed the onset of each department’s work order, reducing work-in-process and downtime caused by subassembly bottlenecks.

• Developed an application for eliminating all non-value-added activities and managing inventories which consolidated production activities saving $175,000 annually.

• Awarded company trade secret award for creating an application that eliminated 4 hours a week of downtime.

• Worked as project manager for a nine-month relocation project of electronics manufacturing from Mexicali, Mexico, to Holland, Michigan. Completed project on time and within budget.

• Served as phase development process lead person for the Holland facility on new product introduction.

• Certified machine operators annually for job qualifications and provided training as required.

• Managed processes by creating a print-on-demand system for 1,200 active products. The application evaluated scheduled assemblies and automatically compared work instructions to match BOM in the ERP system. Created reports for missing and non-compliant work instructions. Achieved 100% compliance in work instruction availability and accuracy.

• Repaired machines as required documenting unusual instances for problem-solving and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

• Performed time studies, ensuring accurate routings and providing time expectations to operators in a user- friendly language.

• Created software for generating and providing production reports related to staffing requirements required based on efficiency and forecasts allowing for accurate staffing and ensuring 100% on-time delivery.

• Provided research and reports on alternate methods or capabilities for accomplishing diverse tasks for Holland and several other corporate locations.

• Used CAD data to create production programs for machine operations and used CMM equipment to generate CAD data when unavailable.

• Provided over 13 years of 24-hour-call support using VPN when possible to eliminate after-hours on-site and resolve problems quickly

• Worked and supported continuous improvement operations addressing and reviewing lean manufacturing projects weekly. Applied and engaged Kaizens, Gemba Walks, 5-S programs, 8-D problem-solving techniques, just-in-time principles, Six Sigma, and total quality management principles.

• Provided technology floor support for the manufacturing area from troubleshooting operating systems, software and hardware, and PLC’s as well as providing database support. Senior Equipment Programmer Promoted August 1996 – April 2004

• Managed responsibilities for generating, maintaining, and optimizing AI machine programs and documentation. Placed a particular focus on engineering builds and pilot phases while providing continuous support for existing products. Custom-designed innovative applications running in Win 2K, NT 4.0, XP (W10, years later)

• One application replaced the existing system CIMLNK, which ran in a Digital Micro-VAKS system. This application is a Print-On-Demand (POD) system, which tacked all activity, reduced changeover time by rewriting patterns and verifier programs, and changed the visual aid to match the optimized program based on machine configuration and working components. Resulted in:

• 10% reduction in time spent locating fixtures. • 30% reduction in changeover time by automatically optimizing machines with every changeover.

•50% reduction when location parts that are on machines. • 75% reduction in programming machines for new products.

•100% reduction in program compatibility and optimization. Software changed machine work instructions, pattern programs, and tester programs.

• Created an application for tracking tact-time in production. Application adopted in 5 domestic plants as well as two plants in Mexico. This application provides visual indications to provide pace expectations to the line. This feedback motivated a production line to increase the cycle time; by more than four times. This method develops the production line to meet the required Takt time.

• Developed an application for monitoring Technical Service Reports. Separated tasks, e-mailed responsible people, and displayed status on a wall monitor, which reduced project delays due to oversight.

• Played a crucial role in ensuring Holland’s operation passed the first ISO 9001 certification audit, with the auto insertion area receiving zero Nonconformance Correction Notice’s.

UNITED STATES ARMY August 1988– August 1996

U.S. Army, Fort Polk, Louisiana, and Germany 1989 – 1992 U.S. Army, Fifth Army Band, San Antonio, Texas 1993 – 1994 U.S. Army, Fort Hood, Texas 1994 – 1996

Army Land Combat Electronic Missile System Repairer: Contract Ended

• Repaired, calibrated, and tested test instruments, including oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and meters. Tested electrical instruments for resistance, voltage, torque, pneumatic, and other characteristics. Performed troubleshooting techniques by locating defective instrument parts and component or sub-assembly levels. Repaired or replaced defective parts using hand tools and soldering equipment.

• Determined shortcomings, malfunctioning electronics, electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, optical, and electromechanical sub-assemblies, modules, and circuit elements using standard and system special-designed test equipment.

• Several years as a squad leader for ten personnel

• Made repairs to unserviceable items, including infrared and optical components, by aligning, adjusting, removing, and replacing defective components, parts, and modules.

• Prepared maintenance, supply forms, and reports.

• Managed additional duties of the assistant training manager and receiver recognition for transferring and maintaining over 340 employee training records to an automated management system.

• Received Army Achievement Medal Completely automated company information system used for unit Status reporting. Maintained and updated over 345 personnel training records and seven missile maintenance detachments.

EDUCATION

MBA, Technology Management, University of Phoenix, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2007 BS, Information Technology, University of Phoenix, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2004

• Green belt Certification, Lean Six Sigma Flextronics

• Green Belt Certification, Lean Six Sigma Invensys Controls

• Invensys Phased Development Process (PDP) training, Chicago, Illinois.

• Wave Process Training Program, Vitronics Soltec

• Certificate of completion, Introduction to Intralink / ProductView, Chicago, Illinois.

• Certificate of completion, Lean manufacturing Training

• Certificate, Mastering Enterprise Development Using Micro Soft Visual Basic, Grand Rapids MI

• Certificate of Completion for 5-day Flexa SMD Fuji equipment software, Chicago, IL

• Certificate, FrameWork advanced Program Training, vision system training, Grand Rapids MI

• Certificate, Mastering Visual Basic 6.0 Development, Grand Rapids MI

• Certificate of completion, SMT: Principles and practice, Chicago, Illinois

• Certificate of Completion, Microstation (CAD Software) Fundamentals, Holland MI

• Certificate of completion, 6241F VCD/Sequencer 8 Axial Seq./Inserter Operation and Programming, Binghamton NY

• Certificate, SLC 500 Program With RSLOGIX CCPS41, Grand Rapids Michigan

• Certificate, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing ANSI Y14.5, Training on Reading/Writing Prints Holland Michigan

• Certificate of completion Nordson Select Coat In Line training course, West Lake, OH

• Certificate of completion Intro to Access 2.0, Grand Rapids MI

• Certificate, Intro to PowerPoint, Training Department of the Newaygo County Career-Tech Services Division, Holland MI

• Certificate, TOW/Dragon Repairers Course, U.S. Army, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama

• Certificate, Bradley Fighting Vehicle System TOW Repairer, U.S. Army, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama

• Certificate, Emergency Medical Course, U.S. Army, Fort Hood, Texas

• Certificate, Leadership Development Course, U.S. Army, Fort Polk, Louisiana

VOLUNTEER WORK

• Volunteer Mentor for the Transitional Development Program. I volunteer as a mentor in the Gateway Mission

(previously Holland Rescue Mission) Transitional Development Program, which impacts life for eternity.

• Created a library management application for the church to track library books, perform inventory and checkout, and a self-checkout process.

• Currently serving on the audio, visual, and light team during worship services for Fellowship Reformed Church and previously made and updated PowerPoint presentations and created and edited video clips to present during worship services.

• Served eight years as the worship properties ministry coordinator responsible for seeking volunteers, training, inventory, and organizing the audio, video, and light committees.

• 2009-Taught series of computer classes for about 35 attendees for life skill classes.

• Served as system administrator for over 25 years at Love Your Neighbor organization consisting of 1,200 volunteers for a local charitable organization.

• Worked with donors on obtaining two servers and furnishing a computer lab for repair and use at local charitable organization outreach in Grand Rapids.

• Started ministry to help non-profit organizations and worship organizations with computer needs at Love In the Name of Christ. Implemented an online ticket system for organizing requests. Managed back-ups, e-mail systems, desktop support, web hosting, and licensing for a local charitable organization.

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