Emilee’s Core: Creativity

DENSO was Emilee’s first job out of college. Nine years later – she’s still here getting things done, working in the Total Industrial Engineering (TIE) group in Athens, Tennessee. For Emilee, creativity is at the core of problem-solving and dealing with uncertainty.

From earning her Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering at the University of Tennessee, to navigating her career path at DENSO, Emilee has long understood it takes creativity to solve difficult problems, deliver quality work and design innovative solutions.

“One of my first TIE projects at DENSO involved a machine modification. Before kaizen (improvement), there were many inefficiencies in the process. I used creativity to re-design this machine by building a mock model completely out of scrap cardboard.  By using what was readily available, I quickly constructed a prototype that we could use in cross-functional team meetings.  The model was detailed to the point where we could simulate the process flow with associates to get their feedback on the standard hand motions and product placement.  This activity made it possible for us to understand the footprint requirements, estimate the cycle time and improve ergonomics before the final machine was constructed.  We were able to save DENSO time and money by focusing on an efficient line from the design phase.

The future will require all of us to be innovative and work together.  Don’t be afraid of your wild ideas.  Speak up, be ambitious and work together to enhance the visions and dreams around you.”

– Emilee Davis, Total Industrial Engineering, Athens, TN