Manufacture Smarter Blog

9/24/2021 - BY: REBEKAH MCCARTER
As the world continues to recover from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chains everywhere are facing raw material shortages, long lead times, higher material and transportation costs, labor shortages, and volatile pricing. With these factors now hurting both businesses and consumers alike, it’s more important than ever to gain a deep understanding of the current state of supply chains along with the best solutions to each challenge.

9/17/2021 - BY: MICHAEL MCGRAY
In recent years, collaborative robots – or cobots – have gained much attention and interest for the many benefits they provide to manufacturers of all size and type. Now, manufacturers who implement cobots may be eligible for a significant federal tax deduction to help stretch their equipment budgets while improving production. 

9/10/2021 - THE CENTER
In honor and remembrance of those we lost.

9/3/2021 - THE CENTER
Happy Labor Day Weekend!

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.