Andrew Bokman

Andrew Bokman

15+ years in manufacturing
operations,
process control
and industrial systems.
Now adding
computer science
and software
to that
foundation.

Manufacturing Operations / Process Control & Reliability / Industrial Systems / Python, Linux & Automation / B.S. Computer Science

View experience Résumé LinkedIn

Three stacked layers: operations at the base, industrial systems above it, and software, in blue, being added on top. 03 Software 02 Systems 01 Operations
Fig. 01Three layers
Now
Resource Operator II, Agropur
Experience
15+ years in manufacturing and operations
Studying
B.S. Computer Science, Rasmussen University
Based in
Faribault, Minnesota
  1. 01

    Manufacturing operations

    15+ years of production and processing.

    Established
  2. 02

    Process control and reliability

    Startups, changeovers, troubleshooting and downtime reduction.

    Established
  3. 03

    Industrial systems

    HMI, MES and ERP in Allen-Bradley and Siemens-based environments.

    Established
  4. 04

    Computer science

    B.S. in progress at Rasmussen University.

    In progress
  5. 05

    Automation, software and AI

    Long-term direction, where operations and technology meet.

    Direction

Manufacturing and operations professional with 15+ years of experience working with specialized equipment, process systems, production environments and continuous improvement.

The foundation

I currently work as a Resource Operator II with Agropur. My broader manufacturing background includes production, processing, operations supervision, operator training, troubleshooting, process control, startups and changeovers, quality systems, and reliability-focused work.

My experience includes continuous improvement, OEE and downtime reduction, root cause analysis, GMP/HACCP environments, equipment troubleshooting, operator training, SOP development, SAP/Oracle, MES systems, industrial HMIs, and Allen-Bradley and Siemens-based environments.

The layer being added

Alongside my manufacturing career, I am completing a B.S. in Computer Science at Rasmussen University and continuing to develop skills in Python, Linux, Git/GitHub, Docker, networking, automation, and software systems.

My long-term direction is at the intersection of operations and technology: industrial automation, technical operations, intelligent manufacturing systems, software, and AI-enabled process improvement.

From the warehouse floor to continuous process operations.

Five roles since 2006, most recent first. Open a row for the detail.

2026 – PresentCurrent

Agropur

Continuous manufacturing in a highly regulated food-production environment.
Resource Operator II Le Sueur, Minnesota
  • Operate and monitor process equipment, production systems and HMIs while responding to changing operating conditions.
  • Troubleshoot equipment and process abnormalities and coordinate with operations, maintenance and other plant functions.
  • Support startups, changeovers, sanitation/CIP activities and production readiness.
  • Perform process checks, documentation and traceability activities supporting product quality and food-safety requirements.
2019 – 2024

Post Consumer Brands

High-volume automated cereal processing, plus operator training.
Production Specialist Northfield, Minnesota
  • Operated and monitored high-volume automated cereal-processing equipment, coordinating safe startups, product changeovers and shutdowns.
  • Monitored production rates, yield, quality, alarms and process conditions, and troubleshot equipment and process issues to minimize downtime.
  • Recorded production, downtime and quality information, supported sanitation and preventive maintenance, and trained operators in standard work, safety, quality checks, troubleshooting and shift handoffs.
2012 – 2019

Herda’s Processing

Supervision, scheduling and training in custom meat processing.
Operations Supervisor / Trainer Faribault, Minnesota
  • Supervised daily operations in a custom meat-processing environment, coordinating schedules, staffing coverage, work assignments and production priorities.
  • Reallocated labor and adjusted workflow during absences and disruptions to maintain production continuity.
  • Trained and onboarded employees on equipment, operating procedures, safety, quality expectations and standard work.
2008 – 2012

Innovative Food Processors

Food-powder processing in a regulated manufacturing environment.
Processing Operator Faribault, Minnesota
  • Operated specialized food-powder processing equipment producing functional food, beverage and nutritional ingredients.
  • Set up, operated and cleaned equipment for mixing, blending and powder production while monitoring product specifications and process conditions.
  • Supported sanitation, material handling, production documentation and troubleshooting. The company was acquired by Balchem in 2017.
2006 – 2008

McLane Company

High-volume retail distribution with scanning systems.
Selector Northfield, Minnesota
  • Selected and assembled customer orders in a high-volume retail distribution environment.
  • Used scanning systems to identify slot locations, product descriptions and quantities, and moved completed orders through distribution while maintaining safety and product integrity.

Three layers. Each one sits on the one below.

Operations experience is the base. Industrial systems are the tools used on top of it. Software and infrastructure is the layer being built now.

Layer 01Operations foundation

15+ years
  • Operations

    • Equipment operation
    • Process control
    • Startups
    • Changeovers
    • Shutdowns
    • Process optimization
  • Reliability

    • Troubleshooting
    • Fault diagnosis
    • Trend analysis
    • Preventive maintenance
  • Continuous improvement

    • OEE
    • Downtime reduction
    • Waste reduction
    • Root cause analysis
    • 5 Whys
    • Corrective action
  • Quality and safety

    • GMP
    • HACCP
    • Allergen control
    • Traceability
    • In-process checks
    • Inspections
    • Lockout/tagout
    • Confined space
  • Leadership and training

    • Crew supervision
    • Operator qualification
    • Employee training
    • SOP development
    • Work instructions
    • Cross-functional coordination

Layer 02Industrial systems

Operating and troubleshooting exposure
  • ERP SAP, Oracle Enterprise resource planning.
  • MES Redzone Manufacturing execution system.
  • Industrial controls Allen-Bradley, Siemens PLC fault diagnosis. Operating and troubleshooting exposure, not programming.
  • HMI / SCADA FactoryTalk, Wonderware, Ignition HMI operation.
  • Quality and process monitoring SPC software Control charts.
  • Training Alchemy Training records.
  • Workforce and scheduling Kronos / UKG Crew scheduling.
  • Warehouse WMS RF scanning and voice picking.

Layer 03Software and infrastructure

In progress

Software and infrastructure, built on top of the plant floor.

Skills in active development alongside a B.S. in Computer Science at Rasmussen University.

  • PythonScripting, automation
  • LinuxCommand line, administration
  • Git and GitHubVersion control
  • DockerContainers
  • VS CodeCode editor
  • NetworkingIP, DNS, WireGuard VPN
  • ExcelFormulas, reports, trackers

Computer science now, culinary arts before.

2026 – PresentIn progress

Rasmussen University

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, in progress since October 2026.
B.S. Computer Science
Earlier

Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts

Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts. An accelerated program of about 15 months covering culinary operations, food preparation, sanitation, food safety and professional kitchen operations.
A.A.S. Culinary Arts Mendota Heights, Minnesota

Contact