Manufacture Smarter Blog

3/31/2021 - BY: GEORGE SINGOS
Manufacturing continues to evolve and advance at a rapid pace. As some are keeping up by incorporating new innovations and practices into facilities, other more reluctant companies are quickly falling behind. It is clear that manufacturers – especially smaller companies – require additional guidance for approaching the Fourth Industrial Revolution. To help Michigan manufacturers successfully prepare for such implementations, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) recently launched its Industry 4.0 Signature Initiative. 

3/24/2021 - THE CENTER
Through our weekly Industry 4.0 Foundations blog series, we’ve explored how the many Industry 4.0 technologies can assist manufacturers in all types of improvement initiatives. In this final installment of the series, we’ll discuss how establishing Cybersecurity can ensure these technologies, and the critical information they carry, stay secure and protected.

3/19/2021 - BY: MARK GETTEL
In our most recent Smart Solutions Series webinar, we explored how technology can be implemented to make production more efficient and free workers from manual labor, which helps to effectively utilize talent resources and fill workforce gaps in facilities. A brief summary of our virtual discussion is outlined here.

3/17/2021 - THE CENTER
When it comes to the design of parts or production processes, there is always room for improvement. The challenge for manufacturers is to figure out what to change in order to get the best results. Simulation software can assist with this process. 

3/10/2021 - THE CENTER
How often does your facility throw away more material than was used to create a part? Has your business designed, developed and built a new product, only to discover the design is faulty after investing much time and money into its production? Have repairs been neglected on a part on a machine due to a lack of replacement for it? In each of these cases, the problem can be solved with Additive Manufacturing.

3/5/2021 - BY: MICHAEL MCGRAY
Typically, the first type of technology that comes to mind when referencing Industry 4.0 or advanced manufacturing is Robotics & Automation. And while a growing number of facilities continue to adopt automation into operations, many hesitant manufacturers still wonder, How can automation help my production?

3/3/2021 - THE CENTER
During employee training, businesses are commonly challenged by the demand placed on resources. Often, this leads to shortcuts in training, which negatively impacts productivity, quality and safety. Due to inconsistent training, variation arises in how each worker performs a task, which can lead to unanticipated results and no clear understanding of the root cause. To solve these training-related issues, and those unforeseen, Augmented & Virtual Reality can help.

2/24/2021 - THE CENTER
In this increasingly competitive business landscape, manufacturers are constantly looking for ways to innovate and improve processes to boost their bottom line. One proven way to accomplish this is through the use of robotics and automation in production.

2/17/2021 - THE CENTER
Over the past few weeks, we’ve been discussing how Industry 4.0 practices and technologies like Big Data, Internet of Things and System Integration can help organizations to better gather and analyze operational data to drive improvements. Cloud computing takes data management to the next level, making it quicker and more collaborative than previously possible.

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.”