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.

6/18/2021 - BY: REBEKAH MCCARTER
Recently, manufacturers have been tasked with managing new challenges related to supply chains and talent shortages in addition to dealing with long-standing problems like optimizing efficiency and profitability. For some, an answer to these challenges can be found in microfactories.

10/20/2017 - BY: ROGER TOMLINSON
It can often prove essential to be a proactive problem-solver in business. Even the smallest problem can snowball into an issue that is detrimental to the success of a company. As a result, many manufacturing facilities have found it more and more conducive to adopt a highly proactive approach towards managing their supply chain disruptions.

8/12/2016 - THE CENTER
A company’s supply chain is an integral component to success. Therefore, any disruption can be a major threat to business continuity, including delays in production and distribution, reduced revenue, and decreased market share. From earthquakes and tsunamis to hurricanes and tornadoes, all have shown just how far risk can extend.

7/22/2016 - THE CENTER
By now, most are well aware of the implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act, or FSMA. The most sweeping change in food regulations in more than 70 years, FSMA aims to prevent food borne illness rather than reacting to it.

6/3/2016 - THE CENTER
From point-of-origin raw materials to finished goods delivery, Supply Chain Management (SCM) controls the entire production process. It ensures the efficient management, movement and storage of raw materials and work-in-progress/finished products. While proper supply chain management can have amazing results, poor management can be devastating to the viability of your business.

8/21/2015 - THE CENTER
Supply chain optimization contributes to the success of any manufacturer. Imagine how much of your business relies on the successful management of the process! The importance of this business function is often overlooked by many small business owners, but proper supply chain management helps alleviate a myriad of problems and contributes to the overall success of your organization. 

4/10/2015 - ROGER TOMLINSON
Many manufacturers determine a standard cost for their goods, services, and the production components they purchase throughout the year. Purchase Price Variance (PPV) is used to show the difference between the standard cost and actual cost in accounting.

3/20/2015 - THE CENTER
At some point in our lives, many of us have been in what’s called a “toxic relationship”. Like most relationships, toxic relationships typically start off pretty well with an infatuation period and a person who makes you very happy.

10/31/2014 - THE CENTER
As technology and other advances make the world seem smaller and smaller, it’s more important than ever to prepare in advance for potential service disruptions. As stated last week, we want to ‘remove the blindfold’ before entering the obstacle course.