| Services and Experience |
Segment | Assignment | Link |
| Education | If your institution, business or region needs to improve its educational capabilities, CMS LLC can help. We have served on educational advisory boards for high schools, community colleges and universities. CMS developed a curriculum for an Associates in Applied Science Degree in Mechatronics Engineering Technology for Reading Area Community College and Keith chairs the Mid Atlantic Mechatronics Advisory Council that advises multiple high schools and colleges on this emerging field of study. |  |
| Government | All too often, agencies get advice on workforce development issues from advisors who are looking in the rear view mirror. CMS LLC conducted a study in a ten county area to determine the educational capabilities of the public education system with respect to the emerging needs of consumer packaged goods companies. This over-the-horizon approach is necessary if public or private resources are to play a vital role in the future of manufacturing. |  |
| Professional Organizations | Keith has held leadership positions on committees and professional organizations including terms as Director of ISA's Food and Pharmaceutical Industries Division, Founding Director of the OMAC Packaging Workgroup (OPW) and Executive Director of OPW. This work has kept him connected with global thought-leaders in the field. |  |
| Capital Justification | Often plants are unable to develop financial justification for capital improvements they know they need and management has difficulty in evaluating the true merits of investment proposals. CMS LLC provides consulting services on capital justification based upon extensive experience in creating and reviewing investment proposals for automation equipment and IT. |  |
| Research & Development | Manufacturing R&D must be grounded in the need to support real business objectives. Keith assisted a national R&D organization develop a strategy to service the packaging industry and spent years organizing and executing applied R&D for a consumer packaged goods company. |  |
| Workforce Development | The lack of an adequately trained workforce is a huge impediment to the future success of manufacturing in the United States. CMS LLC has been hired as Project Manager for the Industrial Maintenance Training Center of PA, a service of the Workforce Investment Boards of Berks and Lancaster Counties. This center has helped over 30 companies and 200 workers advance their skills. |  |
| Technology Providers | Companies that provide controls and automation to industry must make their message and their solutions relevant to the business needs of their customers. Keith was hired to advise one of the world's leading automation providers on marketing stratedgy in the consumer packaged goods industry. | |
| Machine Builders | Many machine builders are faced with serious challenges in moving from mechanical to mechatronic design. CMS LLC advises machine builders on new technology and business development. Keith is available to serve on your company board or to assist you on a project basis. |  |
| Packagers | CMS LLC has advised some of the world's largest packagers on technology trends affecting their businesses. We are in constant contact with the leaders in world-class packaging operations. If your business wants to take a step or a leap forward, we can help. |  |
| Collaboration | Keith believes in win-win-win scenarios and has spent much of his career developing networks and consortia of individuals across multiple segments. He was retained in 2007 to bring together experts from around the world to discuss issues related to mechatronics, packaging, education, workforce and economic development. With his breadth and depth of experience and wide range of contacts, he can bring the benefits of collaboration to your organization. |  |
| Strategic Technology Planning | CMS LLC assists organizations to develop mission, vision, strategy and goals related to the deployment of technology. Every manufacturing business should have a technology plan that links with their business and HR plans. Metrics should be in place to monitor progress of teams and departments. Business results, team and individual goals must be linked by the golden thread of profitability. |  |
| Tactical Technology Planning | Perhaps your company is short on resources to research what is happening in the industry. We regularly attend Interpack, PackExpo, ARC Forum, and other world-showcase trade events. We can assist you in identifying and interpreting trends or we can accept assignments to track down, identify and validate specific products or services that may require. |  |
| Manufacturing Technology | If you are having difficulty with your manufacturing technology, CMS LLC can bring resources to complete an evaluation and provide recommendations. In one example, assisted a food processing company in defending against a technology patent infringement lawsuit. | |
| Public Speaking | Keith is frequently asked to speak at conferences involving manufacturing technology and packaging. He has spoken on these subjects in Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom and across the USA. You can learn more about some of these engagements on our Links page. |  |
| Publishing | Keith has written or contributed to dozens of articles in trade publications for automation, packaging, manufacturing and machine design. Our Links page includes links to some of these articles. |  |
| New Media | Keith writes a monthly blog on subjects related to packaging machinery technology for Summit Publishing Co. |  |
| Benchmarking | Benchmarking is a means of uncovering best practices and establishing expectations for your business performance. Keith has led and participated in benchmarking sessions with leading CPG companies including the Food Engineering Roundtable. As a neutral third party, he can help organize and execute your benchmarking plan. | |
| Your Job | Let CMS LLC help you! | |