Manufacture Smarter Blog

2/23/2023 - BY: JEFF WILLIAMS
When it comes to our cell phones, most of us can’t leave home without them. We protect our phones and act as if our whole lives are on the device. So why aren’t we doing all we can to protect our business? In the age of technology and automation, it is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of how to protect your business information systems and ensure there are effective processes in place.

1/27/2023 - BY: BOB SCIPIONE
I don’t think it is a surprise that technology evolves each day. We all know a new version of our cell phones is released each year due to this very reason. The fourth industrial revolution is in full swing and thanks to these advances, technology can help manufacturers become more competitive and successful.

1/6/2023 - BY: THE CENTER
Start the year on the right foot by focusing on employee skill development. Explore our new courses being offered in 2023. 

11/18/2022 The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) shared this video from Automation Alley’s Integr8 conference on Industry 4.0 and how technology can benefit Michigan manufacturers. If you have questions or want to learn more about implementing technology, let us know, and we can provide a free Technology Opportunity Assessment.

11/11/2022 - BY: CHUCK WERNER
As educators to small and medium-sized businesses on manufacturing technologies, the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center’s (The Center) Industry 4.0 team participates in trade shows, expositions and technology events, allowing us to interact with experts, suppliers and adopters of technology. We are fortunate to experience current technologies, hear about implementation successes and failures, and get to see the upcoming developments in technology. While some of these new products may never mature into “game-changers” for manufacturing, the fact is that some, if not many, go on to revolutionize the processes and producers of products and services alike.

10/14/2022 - BY: JEFF WILLIAMS
There’s no doubt we are living in a time where technology and computers have become an integral part of our day-to-day business, and these critical systems are not exempt from the need to be maintained, supported and upgraded. Along with this technology, there is an increased risk to business due to cyber criminals and cyberattacks.

9/9/2022 - BY: GEORGE SINGOS
As we all know, technology is advancing by the day, hour and minute, which means so is manufacturing. To assist manufacturers, the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (The Center) provides free Technology Opportunity Assessments. During this assessment, The Center’s experts visit a manufacturing site to see where automation and technologies could help ensure the company doesn’t get left behind. So, what have we learned after completing more than 200 of them?

8/19/2022 - BY: THE CENTER
Last week, the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center’s Smart Technology Zone was on the road again. It was a huge hit at the Advanced Manufacturing Expo in Grand Rapids, Mich., where our Industry 4.0 team joined our West Michigan team to talk about all things tech with hundreds of attendees.

7/29/2022 - BY: ANDY NICHOLS
In today’s workplace, we all use some form of connected technology: a desktop computer, tablet and/or smart phone. We cannot conduct business without them. Cyber criminals know this and have learned to exploit connectedness in ways which are both subtle and shocking. It should come as no surprise to anyone that the new mantra is: Cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility!

7/15/2022 - BY: GEORGE SINGOS
During the 19th century Industrial Revolution, a group of craftsmen known as the Luddites protested change in the manufacturing industry. As machines were being introduced to the textile industry, the Luddites took to destroy it. Today, the term is used as a way of saying someone is against technology.