Manufacture Smarter Blog

8/6/2021 - THE CENTER
Last week, in celebration of The Center’s 30th anniversary in business, we shared insights from our President Mike Coast about how both our company and the manufacturing industry have evolved over the past few decades. This week, we’ll hear from Bob Lyscas, Chief Operating Officer, as he discusses his 25-year tenure with The Center. 

7/30/2021 - THE CENTER
As we celebrate our 30th year in business, we reflect on the way our company has evolved with the industry over the years, as well as how some things – like our mission to support Michigan manufacturers – have never changed. No team member at The Center understands these transformations better than our President Mike Coast, who has been with The Center for more than 25 years. His extensive tenure with our company, along with his insights on the future, are captured here.

7/23/2021 - BY: GEORGE SINGOS
Have you ever wondered where your manufacturing performance stands compared to similar companies? Most manufacturers would be surprised to discover how they fare against competitors on a few key metrics, including scrap and rework, equipment up time, schedule bumping, employee turnover, inventory turns, on-time delivery and days receivable. A full assessment of these and other metrics can be attained through The Center’s Transformation Planner. 

7/16/2021 - BY: PAULA MONTGOMERY
Manufacturing is the largest e-commerce industry sector, with e-commerce shipments making up 67.3% of all manufacturing shipments. This reliance on online research and buying has only increased in recent months, with the global pandemic and President Biden’s new Executive Order to strengthen national supply chains both contributing to a more competitive market online. So, how can you ensure your company’s online presence is making a strong enough impact to end up on customers’ shortlists?

7/9/2021 - BY: KARA KUCINSKI
As the state starts to reopen for in-person events, The Center is hitting the road to bring Industry 4.0 technologies to manufacturers across Michigan. To learn more about how these innovations can help your company stay efficient, competitive and prosperous, find an Industry 4.0 event near you.

7/2/2021 - THE CENTER
Wish you a happy & safe Fourth of July weekend!

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.

6/11/2021 - BY: JOHN SPILLSON
Understanding how all generations learn and thrive is vital to optimizing the efficiency of a team. Lean can be the answer to keeping new hires engaged and excited about their work.

6/4/2021 - BY: KAREN GOIKE & RICH WOLIN
This summer, The Center will host its first-ever Summer Camp training for Applied Project Management. Held in Traverse City, this training will give participants the opportunity to complete an accelerated project management program while experiencing the beauty of northern Michigan in the summer. Learn more about the benefits and details of the training, as well as the supplementary activities, in this brief Q&A.