William R. Elder, CPIM

William R. Elder is an authority on operational strategies for manufacturing companies and President of Micro Manufacturing Systems, a management consulting firm specializing in operational strategies and education. Through his teaching and consulting, he enables manufacturing organizations to convert business strategies into effective operational initiatives.

His clients achieve competitive advantages through the application of proven technologies and management techniques that enhance performance and productivity, on a continuous basis.

With an operations management and information systems background, he specializes in the application of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software to the bottom line. His thinking, design, implementation and training provide unique opportunities for client operating managers and employees to contribute and grow. His involvement with a $25M consumer goods company produced improvement in inventory turns to 10 from 4, increased gross profit margin by 10 points, and reduced labor content.

Elder started his consulting business in 1990 with a leading PC-based manufacturing software company. Prior to becoming a manufacturing consultant, he held positions ranging from Foreman, to Vice President of Operations in various manufacturing companies in the greater Philadelphia area (medical electronics industry). He has also served in the United States Air Force.

Elder continued his studies of the business discourse for eight years as a member of the Leadership, Entrepreneurism, Innovation, and Power (LEIP) program designed and delivered by The Aji Network of Sunnyvale, CA, where he also completed the two year Business Professional's Course. He obtained a Masters of Business Administration degree from Temple University (MBA, 1988) concentrating on Management and Organizational Behavior. He graduated with honors with a degree in Business Administration from Rowan University (BA, 1981).

He has been a longtime, active member of the APICS, The Society for Operations Management and where prior to relocating to Eastern Tennessee, has served in various capacities on the leadership team for the APICS Philadelphia Area Network. He is an APICS certified instructor for the Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) program and he teaches courses regularly for local organizations and chapters. Elder has been nominated for inclusion in the Who's Who of Business Professionals.

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