Manufacture Smarter Blog

10/7/2024 - BY: JEFF WILLIAMS
Maintaining a robust cyber environment is a constant challenge. It requires significant time and effort to assess current risks, maintain a security program, and monitor its effectiveness. This task is particularly daunting for small to medium-sized businesses with limited resources.

8/26/2024 - BY: JERED TYACK
Training is an important part of efficient recruitment and employee retention, as it helps people quickly onboard, understand their roles, perform tasks effectively, and identify paths to advancement. Manufacturers must invest in high-quality training to help maintain a skilled and motivated workforce. 

8/12/2024 - BY: ANTHONY WELSH
It's no surprise that advancements in Industry 4.0 have opened new opportunities for Six Sigma practitioners. As data sources get larger, competition grows, and customer expectations become more demanding, we require new tools to tackle the challenge. Machine learning and predictive analytics are an interesting and effective avenue that many have been reluctant to pursue–me included!

7/22/2024 - BY: JOHN SPILLSON
With all the buzz lately around Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how it will improve efficiencies, streamline operations, and generally make our lives easier, one question is obvious: will companies ever use it to lead the most complex piece of equipment in their operations—the human being?

7/8/2024 - BY: ROBERT SCIPIONE
Small and medium-sized manufacturers know they need to invest in automation, so they buy their first collaborative robot after seeing a demonstration of its capabilities. They assume there is a place for the cobot somewhere in their operation. But if they haven’t considered all the related impacts on their people and processes, their chances of a successful automation implementation are diminished.

3/25/2024 In the ever-evolving landscape of business, efficiency is the key to success, and one area where this is particularly crucial is supply chain management. Industries are becoming more complex and globalized, and traditional supply chain management methods aren’t cutting it. Enter Artificial Intelligence (AI), a game-changing technology that is transforming the way businesses manage their supply chains.

2/26/2024 Today, companies are envisioning—and producing—designs that wouldn’t be possible with traditional, subtractive manufacturing methods. The question today is no longer “Can I transition production of Widget X to additive manufacturing?” but instead “How does additive’s potential change how I design Widget X?”

8/11/2023 - BY: ROBERT SCIPIONE
It appears everyone is talking about Artificial Intelligence (AI). Although the technology is not brand new, it has now developed enough and weaved its way into various life applications, with manufacturing being one. AI has emerged as a game-changer in the manufacturing industry, revolutionizing traditional processes and unlocking new opportunities for operational efficiency, productivity and innovation. The integration of AI into manufacturing processes has paved the way for advanced automation, predictive analytics and data-driven decision-making, leading to improved outcomes and competitive advantages. Let’s look at ways AI can help manufacturers.

6/23/2023 - BY: ROBERT SCIPIONE
As we know, Industry 4.0 technologies are changing the way we manufacture goods and how we operate our businesses. For small to medium-sized manufacturers, it is essential to implement these technologies to stay competitive, optimize operations and attract new talent. Speaking of new talent, new tech in your facility is a great way to attract a younger population who is entering the workforce.

5/12/2023 - BY: THE CENTER
Every year, Automation Alley hosts an outstanding Industry 4.0 event, Integr8. Our team at the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (The Center) is grateful to be a featured guest, enabling us to speak with manufacturers about how they can adapt Industry 4.0 technologies to grow their businesses.