Manufacture Smarter Blog

5/15/2015 - THE CENTER
For most companies in the business world, reducing costs is viewed upon positively. But, for those who speak of it, BEWARE! Sometimes, the idea of reducing costs becomes synonymous with cutting staff in the manufacturing world, especially in the minds of employees. Instead of focusing on just reducing costs, manufacturers should prioritize their efforts and focus on reducing excess and unnecessary costs. This is where Six Sigma comes in.

5/8/2015 - THE CENTER
As most of you have probably heard, ISO 14001 has an updated version due out in late 2015. So after 11 years of getting used to the present requirements, it’s all about to change. ISO 14001’s major revision will reflect what is called the “High Level Structure” based on ISO’s Annex SL. If you don’t understand it, don’t worry as it will all be explained soon!

5/1/2015 - THE CENTER
As manufacturers look for ways to develop new business, generate leads, and drive sales, social media has become an increasingly important topic. Many companies are starting to realize the benefits of social networking and have therefore embraced sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. However, many businesses have overlooked the benefits of using Google+.

4/24/2015 - JOHN SPILLSON
One of the primary goals of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) is to create a food manufacturing process that uses scientific methods to avoid hazards and decrease the chance of recalls. But what happens when the unimaginable FOOD RECALL takes place? Today, we live in the most scientifically, technologically advanced era of all time. However, as we have read about or watched on the news, recalls are real and much more common than we think.

4/17/2015 - THE CENTER
It is a critical time for American, specifically Michigan, manufacturers. With a feeling of cautious optimism, manufacturers are experiencing upticks and improvements in business, yet they are still working harder to set a stronger foundation for growth. Indicators are pointing to a manufacturing comeback.

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.

4/3/2015 - THE CENTER
In today’s global economy, your website plays a critical role in the sales process. Your target audience has the power to research you (and your competitors) online. Through Google and other search engines, they can easily research products, parts, capabilities, pricing and reviews in an instant.

3/27/2015 - CHARLIE WESTRA
We've all heard the buzz about what should be done with a website, but we often forget the simple things that actually drag websites down. Take a few minutes and pay close attention to the following Top 11 things you should NOT do as it relates to your own company website. 

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.

3/13/2015 - THE CENTER
As the world prepares for The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) to officially roll out later this year, food processors are already preparing for the impact.