Manufacture Smarter Blog

2/17/2025 - BY: CHUCK WERNER
Until now, few tools were available to help managers find the time to strategize and pursue business improvements. Artificial Intelligence (AI) can give the gift of time to manufacturing teams everywhere and make running a business easier. Learn about four key AI applications in manufacturing.

1/13/2025 - BY: JOSH JOHNSTON
The manufacturing industry has always been synonymous with innovation and change. But as we move further into 2025, the challenges and opportunities facing manufacturers are larger and more complex than ever before. In an era of rapid technological advancements, evolving workforce needs, and unpredictable global shifts, Michigan’s manufacturers must look ahead to stay competitive.

12/16/2024 It’s the year 2000, and while the concerns about computer date systems being unable to handle the transition to the new millennium never come to pass, technology is strengthening its impact on society. Internet and cell phone usage are skyrocketing. Computers are helping people and workplaces connect like never before. And in the manufacturing industry, technology is boosting productivity. 

7/28/2023 - BY: REBEKAH MCCARTER
The latest Capterra Supplier Relationship Survey underscores the complexity of today’s global supply chains. This tells us it isn’t as simple as identifying a solution.

3/18/2022 - BY: REBEKAH MCCARTER
Are you a manufacturer looking to grow your business? Well, CONNEX™ Michigan may be the perfect solution. CONNEX™ Michigan was launched in January to connect manufacturers together in one searchable database. As the most advanced supply chain and manufacturing networking database tool ever assembled, many Michigan companies are taking advantage of the platform’s benefits.

1/28/2022 - BY: REBEKAH MCCARTER
As we move into year three of the COVID-19 pandemic, the disruptions to the global supply chain continue. In fact, things look like they may get worse before they get better. Resilience is the new buzzword. While everyone is talking about the challenges, very few are proposing solutions.

9/24/2021 - BY: REBEKAH MCCARTER
As the world continues to recover from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chains everywhere are facing raw material shortages, long lead times, higher material and transportation costs, labor shortages, and volatile pricing. With these factors now hurting both businesses and consumers alike, it’s more important than ever to gain a deep understanding of the current state of supply chains along with the best solutions to each challenge.

6/18/2021 - BY: REBEKAH MCCARTER
Recently, manufacturers have been tasked with managing new challenges related to supply chains and talent shortages in addition to dealing with long-standing problems like optimizing efficiency and profitability. For some, an answer to these challenges can be found in microfactories.

7/2/2015 - THE CENTER
Manufacturers have helped the United States through most of the challenging times confronted as a nation. It was the manufacturing capacity of the United States that proved decisive in World War II. Only America had the manufacturing infrastructure to accomplish such things. The world was a better place because manufacturers played a vital role

3/21/2014 - THE CENTER
As many U.S. manufacturers are aware, outsourcing continues to be a hotly debated topic. It was particularly a major issue in the 2000s when outsourcing became popular. Data from the U.S. Department of Commerce estimates that major corporations eliminated about 2.9 million U.S. positions in the 2000s while adding 2.4 million jobs overseas.