Manufacture Smarter Blog

5/19/2020 - THE CENTER
With manufacturing facilities around Michigan starting to reopen, there are still many lingering questions about how to ensure a successful and safe return while continuing to advance processes. To provide assistance during this time, The Center’s experts have answered manufacturers’ most pressing questions.

5/15/2020 - BY: ANDY NICHOLS
If your organization is certified to ISO 9001, AS9100D or ISO 14001 and you have an audit scheduled to happen during the current COVID-19 restrictions, these tips are for you! ISO 9001 or 14001 certified organizations with an “ANAB” logo – or “IAF” logo – may be a candidate for conducting what’s known as an “ICT Audit,” which stands for “Information & Communication Technology.”

5/12/2020 - BY: JESS CRUZ
While the many changes and disruptions that came from the COVID-19 pandemic were not expected as we entered 2020, leaders in all industries have worked hard to restore our nation’s prominence and success as the world continues to respond and recover. So, how does this impact the business activities of small and medium-sized manufacturers?

5/8/2020 - BY: PETE SCHMIDT
After visiting hundreds of companies throughout the country, one thing I have consistently observed among successful companies is they have less resistance to change compared to those that think they have their processes under control and are working at their highest efficiency. Do not fear change – embrace it for the good it can do for your organization.

5/5/2020 - BY: TERRY HOSSINK
It’s hard to disagree that the business world has changed drastically and will likely never look the same again. If you own or manage a business, now is the time to start thinking about the next stage.

5/1/2020 - BY: ANDY NICHOLS
For organizations that are compliant to ISO 9001:2015 (including AS9100D and IATF 16949), there are several requirements that can be used to assist in getting back to business as usual – and putting together a plan is one of them.

4/28/2020 - BY: RON QUINKERT
Throughout my many years of working with manufacturers around Michigan, I have witnessed companies miss out on great business opportunities because of their inability to submit competitive quotes. How many times has this happened to your company? Have you ever wondered why? This may indicate that it is time to look at how projects are quoted.

4/24/2020 - BY: JOHN SPILLSON
Public concern over health and safety is at an all-time high. Concerns about food are no exception as customers everywhere look for reassurance and peace of mind to know that what they’re consuming each day is safe. There are still many questions surrounding how to maintain food safety while working with or around food.

4/21/2020 - THE CENTER
​We recently published a blog discussing how to keep employees feeling engaged and valued while working from home by prioritizing training. In addition to these engagement challenges, many are working from home for the first time ever and are struggling to stay focused and productive in such a different environment. For those who need extra guidance, there are resources that can help.

4/17/2020 - THE CENTER
To contribute to COVID-19 mitigation efforts and ensure healthcare workers, patients and individuals are getting the resources they need, manufacturers around the state have either increased production or retooled entirely to provide medical devices that are desperately needed.