Manufacture Smarter Blog

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.

12/18/2020 - BY: JESS CRUZ
I am privileged to meet with and support many small to mid-sized manufacturers in Michigan. They bring great value with their products proudly made in Michigan. However, many of these manufacturers are unaware of the information and opportunities associated with Industry 4.0 technologies. My hope is to provide some insight and encouragement for those who are considering their next steps towards technology adoptions.

10/16/2020 - BY: GEORGE SINGOS
This year’s unique business challenges required manufacturers to be more flexible and efficient than ever before. As companies worked to rapidly adapt by shifting product offerings and implementing new safety practices, one factor emerged as a clear key to success: technology.  To further educate manufacturers on the benefits and uses of a number of Industry 4.0 technologies, Automation Alley will hold its fourth Integr8 event November 9-10, 2020 – this time, it will be completely virtual.

6/26/2020 - BY: TRICIA ONESIAN WITH SPECIAL GUEST BOB JENKINS
As an increasing number of small manufacturers start to invest in innovative technologies, I’ve seen one critical issue arise in several companies: they don’t have the basics in place before implementing advanced technology. To understand the importance of having fundamental training in place, I had a discussion with my friend and colleague Bob Jenkins, Quality Program Manager at The Center, about why the basics are critical in manufacturing.

2/21/2020 - BY: GEORGE SINGOS
As I meet with companies around Michigan through my role as a consultant, I hear a lot of concerns from companies that aren't quite achieving the Return on Investment (ROI) they were expecting from technology implementations. This leads to the question, why do these technology investments fail?