Manufacture Smarter Blog

3/25/2022 - BY: CHUCK WERNER
As time goes on, we continue to see more and more advanced technology in every aspect of our lives. So why not take advantage of technology within our manufacturing companies? As we work to improve efficiencies, fill talent gaps, increase profitability and stay competitive, a strategic advantage can be found in applying relevant advanced manufacturing technologies.

2/11/2022 - BY: CHUCK WERNER
Talent shortages continue around several industries, including manufacturing. Among other challenges, keeping your employees engaged and productive is key to operational success. So why not utilize technology to help make human jobs easier while also cutting waste?

11/19/2021 - BY: JEFF SCHULTZ
Growing up in the era of NASA’s Apollo space program, I was fascinated with space exploration and had my sights set on becoming an astronaut. When the creative side of my brain overtook the analytic side, astronaut as a profession ceased. But my interest in outer space remained. 

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. 

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.

4/30/2021 - BY: MICHAEL MCGRAY
At The Center, we are always looking for the best ways to support manufacturers through innovative solutions. Much like how the many technologies of Industry 4.0 are overlapping, resources to support manufacturers should be overlapping, too, as multiple solutions often are needed to tackle one problem. Recognizing this, our team at The Center has worked to foster partnerships among technology vendors in Michigan to create more oportunities for collaboration and ultimately merge technologies together to provide the best solutions possible. 

3/31/2021 - BY: GEORGE SINGOS
Manufacturing continues to evolve and advance at a rapid pace. As some are keeping up by incorporating new innovations and practices into facilities, other more reluctant companies are quickly falling behind. It is clear that manufacturers – especially smaller companies – require additional guidance for approaching the Fourth Industrial Revolution. To help Michigan manufacturers successfully prepare for such implementations, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) recently launched its Industry 4.0 Signature Initiative. 

3/24/2021 - THE CENTER
Through our weekly Industry 4.0 Foundations blog series, we’ve explored how the many Industry 4.0 technologies can assist manufacturers in all types of improvement initiatives. In this final installment of the series, we’ll discuss how establishing Cybersecurity can ensure these technologies, and the critical information they carry, stay secure and protected.

3/17/2021 - THE CENTER
When it comes to the design of parts or production processes, there is always room for improvement. The challenge for manufacturers is to figure out what to change in order to get the best results. Simulation software can assist with this process. 

3/10/2021 - THE CENTER
How often does your facility throw away more material than was used to create a part? Has your business designed, developed and built a new product, only to discover the design is faulty after investing much time and money into its production? Have repairs been neglected on a part on a machine due to a lack of replacement for it? In each of these cases, the problem can be solved with Additive Manufacturing.