Manufacture Smarter Blog

5/20/2022 - BY: EMILY WICKER
On Tuesday, May 10, experts from the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (The Center) attended Automation Alley’s Industry 4.0 conference, Integr8. The event brings together technology and manufacturing leaders from around the world to construct the next level of Industry 4.0.

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.

3/11/2022 - BY: CHUCK WERNER
Utilizing Industry 4.0 technologies is the future of the manufacturing industry. It is essential for your business to stay up to date with the latest ways to improve your operations and retain your employees.

2/25/2022 - BY: THE CENTER
Industry 4.0 is the future of manufacturing and Michigan is at the forefront. Utilizing smart technology will transform the industry by allowing manufacturers to design, model and validate products in a virtual world. The Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (The Center) is here to help ensure your company doesn’t fall behind. Take advantage of upcoming FREE showcases and events throughout Michigan to learn how Industry 4.0 can support your business.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

4/2/2021 - BY: SCOTT PHILLIPS
As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. Those who have attended webinars or read case studies about Industry 4.0 over the past few years will likely agree that the jargon associated with it can easily exceed a thousand words. To clarify some of the mystification surrounding Industry 4.0, let’s dive deeper into the “big picture” of the true purpose behind this technology revolution.