Manufacture Smarter Blog

9/23/2016 - THE CENTER
Hoshin Planning, commonly referred to as “policy deployment”, is a method utilized to ensure that the strategic goals of a company are consistently driving development and action at every functional level of an organization. This type of methodology endeavors to remove all wastes resulting from discrepancies of direction and lack of communication in order to get every employee on the same page.

9/16/2016 - THE CENTER
All members of a company have a responsibility to solve workplace problems. Effective problem solving is critical for personal and business success. However, being able to execute solutions in a timely and cost-effective manner is often a challenge.

9/9/2016 - THE CENTER
Most manufacturers would assume their organization follows a continuous improvement approach, where they improve their products, services and processes in efforts to sustain success. However, according to the Kaizen/Lean Philosophy, Continuous Improvement is much more complex.

9/2/2016 - THE CENTER
Have a great Labor Day weekend!

8/26/2016 - THE CENTER
Rising costs, changing demand, or new zoning requirements are a few of the reasons companies decide to relocate their operations. Be it anticipated or unexpected, moving  a manufacturing facility is a complex, costly, and often sensitive process that demands strategic planning, strong leadership, and careful communication for effective execution.

8/19/2016 - THE CENTER
No matter which way you slice it, we live in a digital age. Now you can order pizza from your smartphone app, get a diagnosis through an email, and deposit checks without ever leaving your couch. The world is changing, and so is the way companies reach new clients.

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.

8/5/2016 - THE CENTER
On Friday, October 7, manufacturers nationwide will join together and celebrate National Manufacturing Day! The holiday was established to raise awareness about the positive impacts manufacturing has on the economy and change the prevailing perception of manufacturing careers in the U.S. for future generations.

7/29/2016 - THE CENTER
When an engineer sends a design to production, there is an area of the design where a feature or part is not clearly defined. Implanted in that area is the design’s zone of tolerance, also known as its limits of variation. The design can only tolerate a certain amount of deviation from that zone before material and money are wasted, time is lost, and productivity is diminished!

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.