Manufacture Smarter Blog

3/24/2023 - BY: ROBERT SCIPIONE
3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, has revolutionized the manufacturing industry with its ability to quickly create custom parts. In addition to printing parts, manufacturers can utilize 3D printing to create tooling and fixtures to streamline their production process. Let’s look at how manufacturers can utilize 3D-printed tooling and fixtures to their benefit.

3/17/2023 - BY: JIM GORMAN
My first job after graduating from college was with a Tier-1 automotive interiors company. I still have the lanyard card that was given to me at my orientation with the title “The Cornerstones” which highlighted key values of the organization. These cornerstones mean as much to me today as they did on my first day on the job. I believe them to be the most straightforward and inspiring standards for promoting productive relationships and teamwork, while also providing a framework for addressing issues that will certainly arise when working with a team.

3/10/2023 - BY: ANDY NICHOLS
Oddly enough, the famously hilarious movie, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, starring John Candy and Steve Martin, has a lot in common with quality management! It hit the big screens in 1987. In the same year, ISO 9001 was launched and then became the base requirement for AS 9100D and IATF 16949. The automotive industry found that ISO 9001 did not include many tools that have helped produce the quality products we drive today. As a result, “Core Tools” were developed and added to the basic ISO requirements.

3/3/2023 - BY: JOHN SPILLSON
Governor Whitmer has proclaimed March as Michigan Food and Agriculture Month to honor and celebrate Michigan’s farmers and diverse products. Our state’s unique climate and abundance of water has provided the ideal conditions to grow and process some of the nation’s finest agricultural products. As a $105 billion industry, food and agriculture provides more than 800,000 jobs, which accounts for 17% of our state’s employment. Encompassing nearly 10 million acres of farmland, Michigan has more than 300 commodities and is the second most diverse agriculture state in the U.S.

2/23/2023 - BY: JEFF WILLIAMS
When it comes to our cell phones, most of us can’t leave home without them. We protect our phones and act as if our whole lives are on the device. So why aren’t we doing all we can to protect our business? In the age of technology and automation, it is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of how to protect your business information systems and ensure there are effective processes in place.

2/17/2023 - BY: DAVE NELSON
We all know that good oral hygiene is essential to healthy living. Even though we brush our teeth daily, visiting your dentist twice a year is still important. Unsurprisingly, the dentist will often find plaque, an occasional cavity or other serious issue regardless of prevention during the visit. Similarly, good operational “hygiene” is essential to business success. Conducting a value stream map (VSM) on your various operational processes should be performed regularly. 

2/10/2023 - BY: BOB JENKINS
In my last blog, we discussed the importance of being a proficient problem solver in your quality role. So, after learning the problem-solving process and exercising it to effectiveness, stop and ask yourself, “What else makes me the most effective in my role?” That’s an easy one…

2/3/2023 - BY: BARB SHONIBIN
“Mentor” is often used as a buzzword more often than something that is acted upon. However, mentorship can be a great way to engage employees, new and old, while also benefiting the company. In today’s landscape, engaging and retaining employees has become challenging. New generations entering the workforce have different expectations and mindsets. It is crucial that management teams adapt to the changes and implement new initiatives that will attract, retain and engage staff.

1/27/2023 - BY: BOB SCIPIONE
I don’t think it is a surprise that technology evolves each day. We all know a new version of our cell phones is released each year due to this very reason. The fourth industrial revolution is in full swing and thanks to these advances, technology can help manufacturers become more competitive and successful.

1/20/2023 - BY: ANDY NICHOLS
As 2022 was ending, I reflected on our end-of-year celebrations and realized they have a great deal in common with how organizations prepare and conduct internal, quality management audits.