Ralph Woodhead graduated as a mechanical engineer at a time when computers were all mainframes and when Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems were just being invented!
He started his career in production control departments - firstly a gearbox manufacturer and then with a company making commercial vehicle axles. It was in this second company that he moved into computer systems - working on the design and implementation of bespoke stock control systems.
After promoting
MRP for a number of years, Ralph decided to accept the post of IT
Manager at an engineering company manufacturing textile machines.
Five years on Ralph joined Hewlett Packard as a manufacturing
consultant, undertaking pre and post-sales consultancy in a wide range
of industries.
He now provides independent business advice and
consultancy. Projects have included MRP consultancy, ERP
selection and implementation as well as education and training.
In 2001, working with MTa International, he created the activity-based
learning pack called KanDo Lean.
His current speciality is education, training and implementation of Lean
Manufacturing.
Ralph is approved by the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) as a consultant and diagnostician.