Manufacture Smarter Blog

7/19/2019 - BY: KARA KUCINSKI
Manufacturing is entering a new era. And while the current business landscape may be vastly different than what manufacturers have experienced before, the same tools and concepts from the past can be used to inspire change and improve practices in this new setting. One such tool is Kaizen.

7/12/2019 - BY: BOB JENKINS
Today, virtually all young people interested in engineering programs are proficient in drawing and creating 3D models that make a computer screen come alive with visuals. Painfully, however, many high schools no longer provide the option of taking a drafting class, which forms the basis of all CAD drawings. Despite the lack of attention in schools, learning skills in blueprint reading and drafting should not be overlooked by those who work in manufacturing.

7/4/2019 - THE CENTER
Happy Fourth of July!

6/28/2019 - BY: TRICIA ONESIAN
The days of the stereotypical salesman are gone. No longer are salespeople encouraged to succeed by pushing unneeded services or products to customers, or by stretching the truth just to get a sale. The role of salespeople has changed. Now, it's about customer service and honesty.

6/21/2019 - BY: DEB JOSEPH
The ongoing skilled trades employee shortage is causing many manufacturers to hire from outside of the industry, bringing in people without manufacturing skills or backgrounds. However, due to the unique nature of the manufacturing industry, this lack of experience and knowledge brings many challenges for the incoming workforce. To ease workers' transitions into a manufacturing environment, a strong training program is essential.

6/14/2019 - BY: JAMIE HEADLEY
In today's market, employee retention has become a major focal point. Knowing how to retain employees begins with undersanding why they leave a company in the first place. One thing senior executives do not commonly consider is that they could be a part of the problem. 

6/7/2019 - BY: JEFF WILLIAMS
In an ongoing effort to maintain information security throughout the defense supply chain, the Department of Defense (DoD) plans to implement a new program called the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), which will mandate cybersecurity audits and certifications for DoD contractors.

5/31/2019 - BY: ROGER TOMLINSON
Transitioning to a Lean enterprise does not happen without careful planning and solid implementation strategies. Success depends on effort. And while it is true that all workers in an organization must contribute to these efforts, the single most important factor in determining the success of your Lean implementation is front-line supervisors.

5/24/2019 - THE CENTER
This Memorial Day weekend, the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center would like you to take a moment to remember, honor the ultimate sacrifice, and celebrate the extraordinary service, commitment and courage of our nation’s heroes.

5/17/2019 - BY: ANDY NICHOLS
“Ticking away the moments that make up a dull day…” go the lyrics of Pink Floyd’s song “Time." The meaning behind the song’s lyrics, while strongly applicable to everyday life, also is an apt description for the way certain clauses of ISO 9001:2015 are implemented.