Manufacture Smarter Blog

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.

3/6/2015 - THE CENTER
In today’s global economy, we’re all looking for ways to increase production, improve efficiencies and reduce errors in all areas of our business – especially the production floor. Of course, this is easier said than done. We can’t just say we want to improve our business – our actions have to speak louder than our words.

2/27/2015 - THE CENTER
Social media can position you to gain an advantage over your competition. Many companies resort to social media only for the benefit of SEO, which definitely helps, but they are missing a great opportunity. Consider a different perspective with your social media activity.

2/20/2015 - THE CENTER
Did you know that 95% of the world’s customers live outside the U.S.? If your company isn’t exporting – you’re missing out on a lot of potential business. Exporting is a great way for smaller manufacturers to increase sales, diversify their customer base and embrace new innovations and product developments.

2/13/2015 - THE CENTER
After looking over the Draft International Standard (DIS) for ISO 9001:2015, it appears that ISO did more than just move things around. ISO 9001, the world's leading quality management standard, is under revision, with an updated version due by the end of 2015.Listed below are some of the changes that were made.

2/6/2015 - THE CENTER
A productive business is one that is able to manufacture quality products effectively and at low cost…correct?  In reality, a productive business is also one that’s able to manufacture quality products effectively while improving overall employee morale. Unhappy employees can be just as damaging to a business’ bottom-line as bad products or processes.