Manufacture Smarter Blog

2/19/2021 - BY: PAULA MONTGOMERY
When developing new products and innovations, a diverse range of expertise and knowledge is required to be successful. With the right technical experts, business experts, user design experts and manufacturing experts working toward the same goal, the possibilities are limitless.

2/17/2021 - THE CENTER
Over the past few weeks, we’ve been discussing how Industry 4.0 practices and technologies like Big Data, Internet of Things and System Integration can help organizations to better gather and analyze operational data to drive improvements. Cloud computing takes data management to the next level, making it quicker and more collaborative than previously possible.

2/12/2021 - BY: PETE SCHMIDT
​During the past challenging year, one recurring theme that many companies have discussed with me – whether they have 10 employees or 200 – is that they are all struggling to find people to fill open positions within their organization. What if there were a way to reduce the number of new hires needed?

2/10/2021 - THE CENTER
As discussed in last week’s Industry 4.0 Foundations blog, the Internet of Things enables manufacturers to gain enhanced visibility into operations to further optimize performance. With data playing an integral role in these improvements, System Integration can help by providing more centralized, organized data for simpler, more effective decision-making.

2/5/2021 - BY: CHUCK WERNER
The effect of cost on profitability is generally well understood. The higher a company’s costs, the less profitable they can be. However, while companies often know if they are (or are not) profitable, they do not always have a clear understanding as to why. Gaining a true understanding of the impact defects have on profitability is key to improving business performance.

2/3/2021 - THE CENTER
Last week, in the first installment of our weekly Industry 4.0 blog series, we explored how Big Data enables manufacturers to make more informed business decisions. Building on this foundation of information, manufacturers can gain enhanced interconnectivity and real-time visibility through the Internet of Things.

1/29/2021 - BY: ANDY NICHOLS
In a recent blog post, we explored Industry 4.0 technologies from the perspective of Quality professionals, highlighting the importance of planning before implementing. This follow-up blog takes a closer look at the impact some of these technologies might have on the world of the typical Quality department and how they can be used to support Quality initiatives.

1/27/2021 - THE CENTER
The technological innovations of Industry 4.0 have created opportunities for manufacturers of all sizes to improve efficiencies, increase revenue and advance production methods. In a weekly blog series published over the next few months, we will explore the nine technology trends that form the building blocks of Industry 4.0 and highlight the specific applications and benefits of each.

1/22/2021 - BY: JAMIE HEADLEY
​The past year has been especially trying for manufacturers, bringing new problems to light while intensifying existing challenges like employee engagement and the growing talent shortage. To give manufacturers insight on how to tackle issues with engagement and retention, our team at The Center recently hosted the first virtual panel discussion in our ongoing Smart Solutions Series. Here are a few of the key topics explored.

1/20/2021 - BY: ANDY NICHOLS
The concept of Industry 4.0 has been gradually introduced into manufacturing facilities in recent years, bringing with it operational improvements and countless other benefits. In a two-part blog series, we will explore how these exciting developments can support ISO 9001-based Quality Management Systems (QMS), as well as dive into their impact on the overall Quality department.