Manufacture Smarter Blog

10/30/2020 - BY: DAVE NELSON
Building a relevant, effective training plan is key to developing all employees, regardless of their role or level within the organization. Manufacturers seeking additional funding and support for their training initiatives can find it through the Going PRO Talent Fund.

10/23/2020 - BY: MIKE BEELS
We have talked for many years about the importance of “engaged” employees – those who are highly involved in, enthusiastic about and committed to their workplace. As of May 2020, the percentage of engaged employees in the U.S. was at 38% – the highest it’s been in the past 20 years – but still only 38%. So, what can organizations do to improve those numbers?

10/16/2020 - BY: GEORGE SINGOS
This year’s unique business challenges required manufacturers to be more flexible and efficient than ever before. As companies worked to rapidly adapt by shifting product offerings and implementing new safety practices, one factor emerged as a clear key to success: technology.  To further educate manufacturers on the benefits and uses of a number of Industry 4.0 technologies, Automation Alley will hold its fourth Integr8 event November 9-10, 2020 – this time, it will be completely virtual.

10/9/2020 - BY: ANDY NICHOLS
Between 40 and 60% of small businesses fail within a year of any type of disaster – including cyberattacks – unless some type of resiliency plan is put in place. So, what is needed to protect small and medium-sized businesses from such an attack? How can an organization become “cyber-resilient”?  ​While many might not realize it, if an organization already has an ISO 9001:2015-compliant QMS, that can be used as a platform on which to base an effective cybersecurity program.

10/2/2020 - THE CENTER
The Center is proud to join in the celebration of manufacturing nation-wide.

9/25/2020 - BY: REBEKAH MCCARTER
As the world continues to adapt to the changes brought on by COVID-19, market research has gained more traction and attention as a critical tool in business strategy. In order to get the most value possible out of this powerful research method, companies must have a strong understanding of what exactly they're trying to find. This begins with understanding a few of the key terms used in market research.

9/18/2020 - BY: ROGER TOMLINSON
In the ongoing pursuit of improving profitability, is it more important for a company to reduce costs or increase revenue? The answer to this complex question likely depends on many factors, including the type of company in question, industry trends and market conditions. Each strategy has its own benefits and drawbacks – but which is best for your company?

9/11/2020 - THE CENTER
In honor and remembrance of those we lost.

9/4/2020 - THE CENTER
Happy Labor Day!

8/28/2020 - BY: GEORGE SINGOS
I have met with many business leaders who believe they are more profitable than they really are. In evaluating gross margin, they assume all their parts or assemblies are more profitable than reality. However, this perspective fails to account for overhead costs that are not properly utilized. This gives managers an inaccurate idea of how their business is performing.