Manufacture Smarter Blog

8/27/2021 - BY: CHUCK WERNER
Good decisions require good information – and business agility necessitates that your information provides a clear, concise and current picture of the shop floor. If this sounds nice in theory but in reality you’re wondering how you can achieve the data and analysis necessary with an already task-saturated leadership team, perhaps your business can benefit from Enhanced Operations Management.

8/20/2021 - BY: ANDY NICHOLS
Today, some websites are not only not helping to generate sales growth, but they may be actively driving prospective buyers away and undermining the best efforts of the sales staff. And the company is paying for that! It’s like “Daylight Robbery.”

8/13/2021 - BY: JIM GORMAN
In a time when manufacturers are struggling to maintain productivity due to an unprecedented talent shortage, the value of an effective employee training plan cannot be ignored. Building a relevant, strategic training plan is vital to developing and retaining all workers, regardless of their role or level within the organization. Manufacturers seeking additional funding and support for their training initiatives can find help through the Going PRO Talent Fund.

8/6/2021 - THE CENTER
Last week, in celebration of The Center’s 30th anniversary in business, we shared insights from our President Mike Coast about how both our company and the manufacturing industry have evolved over the past few decades. This week, we’ll hear from Bob Lyscas, Chief Operating Officer, as he discusses his 25-year tenure with The Center. 

7/30/2021 - THE CENTER
As we celebrate our 30th year in business, we reflect on the way our company has evolved with the industry over the years, as well as how some things – like our mission to support Michigan manufacturers – have never changed. No team member at The Center understands these transformations better than our President Mike Coast, who has been with The Center for more than 25 years. His extensive tenure with our company, along with his insights on the future, are captured here.

7/23/2021 - BY: GEORGE SINGOS
Have you ever wondered where your manufacturing performance stands compared to similar companies? Most manufacturers would be surprised to discover how they fare against competitors on a few key metrics, including scrap and rework, equipment up time, schedule bumping, employee turnover, inventory turns, on-time delivery and days receivable. A full assessment of these and other metrics can be attained through The Center’s Transformation Planner. 

7/16/2021 - BY: PAULA MONTGOMERY
Manufacturing is the largest e-commerce industry sector, with e-commerce shipments making up 67.3% of all manufacturing shipments. This reliance on online research and buying has only increased in recent months, with the global pandemic and President Biden’s new Executive Order to strengthen national supply chains both contributing to a more competitive market online. So, how can you ensure your company’s online presence is making a strong enough impact to end up on customers’ shortlists?

7/9/2021 - BY: KARA KUCINSKI
As the state starts to reopen for in-person events, The Center is hitting the road to bring Industry 4.0 technologies to manufacturers across Michigan. To learn more about how these innovations can help your company stay efficient, competitive and prosperous, find an Industry 4.0 event near you.

7/2/2021 - THE CENTER
Wish you a happy & safe Fourth of July weekend!

6/25/2021 - BY: CHUCK WERNER
As we continue on the path to a data-driven culture, it is imperative for manufacturers to have systems in place equipped to collect and analyze facility-specific data. Implementing a Manufacturing Execution System is a way to connect your current operations to your output and performance levels, leading to a more efficient and productive manufacturing facility.