Manufacture Smarter Blog

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.

5/7/2021 - BY: JAMIE HEADLEY
In our most recent Smart Solutions Series webinar, we explored how manufacturers can solve challenges related to labor and skills gaps in their workforce through cross training and skills acceleration. Here are a few of the key topics explored. 

2/26/2021 - BY: PETE SCHMIDT
When I ask manufacturers about their biggest challenges, nearly all mention the lack of available skilled workers. With so many companies looking to hire, this added competition only further compounds the challenge. In our most recent Smart Solutions Series webinar, we explored how Lean manufacturing principles can be applied to an organization to maximize productivity – effectively filling these critical gaps in production using existing resources and talent.

2/12/2021 - BY: PETE SCHMIDT
​During the past challenging year, one recurring theme that many companies have discussed with me – whether they have 10 employees or 200 – is that they are all struggling to find people to fill open positions within their organization. What if there were a way to reduce the number of new hires needed?

1/22/2021 - BY: JAMIE HEADLEY
​The past year has been especially trying for manufacturers, bringing new problems to light while intensifying existing challenges like employee engagement and the growing talent shortage. To give manufacturers insight on how to tackle issues with engagement and retention, our team at The Center recently hosted the first virtual panel discussion in our ongoing Smart Solutions Series. Here are a few of the key topics explored.

1/15/2021 - BY: CHARLIE WESTRA
In both work and daily life, we often run into people who use intimidation to get what they want. Why? Because it works. Sometimes leaders choose to give in to subordinates’ loud or threatening behavior, as giving into the squeaky wheel seems easier than handling the actual problem. Over time, this sends a message to workers that such behavior is not only acceptable, but rewarded. How can leaders deal with this behavior in a way that is more controlled and fair?

1/13/2021 - BY: DAVE NELSON
The employee experience lays the foundation for building a strong company culture, which has a profound impact on an organization. A simple tweak to your employee experience can last a lifetime and save you a lot of future frustration and costs.

12/4/2020 - BY: GEORGE SINGOS
In my role as a Business Leader Advisor, I often speak with small manufacturers in Michigan that are looking to grow. Many have found that their growth is stagnant and they don't know why. In situations such as these, the first step is to begin with evaluating the organization’s structure.

11/13/2020 - BY: KATRINA GLOWZINSKI
With engagement and recruitment being some of the largest challenges faced by today’s manufacturers, the importance of workplace culture cannot be understated. The benefits of creating and maintaining a strong company culture are clear – but the path to get there is not as obvious. 

10/23/2020 - BY: MIKE BEELS
We have talked for many years about the importance of “engaged” employees – those who are highly involved in, enthusiastic about and committed to their workplace. As of May 2020, the percentage of engaged employees in the U.S. was at 38% – the highest it’s been in the past 20 years – but still only 38%. So, what can organizations do to improve those numbers?