Manufacture Smarter Blog

6/23/2023 - BY: ROBERT SCIPIONE
As we know, Industry 4.0 technologies are changing the way we manufacture goods and how we operate our businesses. For small to medium-sized manufacturers, it is essential to implement these technologies to stay competitive, optimize operations and attract new talent. Speaking of new talent, new tech in your facility is a great way to attract a younger population who is entering the workforce.

6/16/2023 - BY: BOB JENKINS
To strengthen designs and decrease failures, IATF 19649:2016 requires design engineers to be competent in Design for Manufacture (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA). This standard has greatly improved manufacturing with an increase in mistake-proofing features. Consistent third-party audits of the standard’s section 8.3 and questions about a designer’s background in DFM and DFA have continued to improve the process.

6/9/2023 - BY: JOHN SPILLSON
As The Center’s Food Business Development Manager, I’ve had the pleasure of touring this wonderful state. Work has taken me from coast to coast visiting destinations from Pinconning to Saint Joe’s and everywhere in between.

6/2/2023 - BY: ANDY NICHOLS
Third-party certification of organizations was initiated a few years after ISO 9001 was first published in 1987. In those early days, ISO 9001, 9002 and 9003 were intended to be used to help ensure the quality of products being purchased. Note that ISO 9003 was discontinued.

5/26/2023 - THE CENTER
Wishing everyone a happy Memorial Day weekend. We will be remembering and honoring those who sacrificed their lives serving our country. 

5/19/2023 - BY: ANDY NICHOLS
In part one of my blog series, we looked at the costs associated with obtaining an ISO 9001 certification and revealed the actual cost of obtaining a certificate. This is often the “entry ticket” to being asked to quote new business. It’s typically not a huge sum of money, especially when compared to marketing/sales budgets for lead generation. In this article, we’ll look at the certification audit process which provides the details behind the costs previously discussed.

5/12/2023 - BY: THE CENTER
Every year, Automation Alley hosts an outstanding Industry 4.0 event, Integr8. Our team at the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (The Center) is grateful to be a featured guest, enabling us to speak with manufacturers about how they can adapt Industry 4.0 technologies to grow their businesses.

5/5/2023 - BY: MIKE BEELS
Do you ever notice that some people are better at dealing with their emotions than others? Or maybe you have a coworker who is really good at reading other’s emotions. This is because they have high emotional intelligence.

4/28/2023 - BY: ANDY NICHOLS
Many organizations do a good job of satisfying their customers’ need for quality products and continue to meet the challenges of the markets they serve. Often, their (larger) customers have hinted at wanting their organization or supply chain to become “ISO certified” – for example, lower tier automotive suppliers are required to be ISO 9001 certified by higher tier customers. Some organizations may have seen their competitors are certified and question why. After all, doesn’t it cost a lot to be certified?

4/21/2023 - BY: MELISSA MANASA
Organizations are required to undergo annual financial audits to ensure financial statements are accurate. A successful audit reassures business leaders and gives them the confidence to move forward with business decisions. Preparing for a financial audit can be overwhelming, as statements and documents must be ready for the auditing team. The finance department should also prepare by reviewing records and double-checking that the information is in place and organized.