Manufacture Smarter Blog

6/10/2022 - BY: ROB STAUFFER
When I advise my clients or teach a project management course, the first question I ask is what types of problems they experience when managing projects. As with most problems, the first step is to assume they are likely symptoms with some underlying root causes. If you or your organization does not follow a project management methodology (meaning everyone manages projects their own way), then you should expect these types of systemic problems. A variable process will always yield variable outcomes no matter how hard you try.

6/3/2022 - BY: THE CENTER
Digitization has found its way into our daily lives and has established a new era in manufacturing. It has created many opportunities for improved efficiency, higher revenues and increased innovation. As we navigate the digital world that is transforming our industry, manufacturers are learning how to design, model and validate their products.

5/27/2022 - BY: ANTHONY WELSH
By now, you should understand how we can take the mathematical formula Y=f(x) + N to create a data-driven culture of thinking. We’ve focused on the Y, the output, and the x, the input. Be sure to read the first three articles of this series to capture the whole picture.

5/20/2022 - BY: EMILY WICKER
On Tuesday, May 10, experts from the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (The Center) attended Automation Alley’s Industry 4.0 conference, Integr8. The event brings together technology and manufacturing leaders from around the world to construct the next level of Industry 4.0.

5/13/2022 - BY: REBEKAH MCCARTER
Managing your local and national supply chain is now easier with CONNEX™. CONNEX™ Michigan is a cloud-based platform that centralizes the Michigan supply chain network into a searchable scouting database and integrates with the national CONNEX™ Marketplace. 

5/6/2022 - BY: JAMIE HEADLEY
Do you have opportunities to improve your business but don’t have the people or resources to work on them? Do you wish you had a group of experts who could quickly help you move your business forward? Specialty Solutions is the answer.

4/29/2022 - BY: ROGER TOMLINSON
ABC analysis is derived from “The Pareto Principle” also called the 80/20 rule. This principle suggests that 80% of the total output is generated by 20% of the valuable efforts. We can apply this in many ways and learn how we can better plan and improve our business.

4/22/2022 - BY: ANTHONY WELSH
Continuing this series, let's begin investigating the right side of the equation. An X is an input, also known as an independent variable, or a factor we can manipulate. Some examples include a dial or setting on the machine, a material property, this profile vs. that profile, the proportions of ingredients, etc. In the equation Y=f(x) + N, X is distinguished from N because it’s controllable where N is something we can’t control. We’ll cover noises in the next article.

4/15/2022 - BY: SHAUN LEAHEY
Nearly every Quality Manager or Plant Manager has had this situation come up: The phone is ringing and it’s the customer. You instantly get a sinking feeling in your stomach, thinking, here comes a complaint. On the rare occasion there isn’t a problem, you take advantage of strengthening your relationship with the person on the other end of the conversation. But often, you’ll begin the conversation listening to what problem the customer is experiencing and how you can help. Your new priority is to begin problem solving, starting with assembling a team. Wait, we’re supposed to use a problem-solving team? Who’s on the team?

4/8/2022 - BY: ANTHONY WELSH
Last month, we discussed the idea of creating a data driven culture of thinking by using the mathematical formula Y=f(x) + N. Let’s dig a little deeper on the left side of the equation, the Y. The Y is the output, also known as the response variable. It must be something specific so we can collect data about its performance on each individual outcome of the process or product. If we (or the customer) value something, we must measure it.