When we talk about digitization in manufacturing, we are referring to the use of digital tools and technologies to create sustainable growth for manufacturers of all sizes. For example, tools such as mobile applications, video conferencing and instant messaging allow for easier communication whil

Since the introduction of 3D printing in the 1980s, the benefits of producing small amounts of complex parts have been well understood to manufacturers. With new technology coming out and so many companies turning toward additive manufacturing in recent years, more and more advantages are being r

The aerospace industry in California has played a large role in the region’s economy for over a half century. With recent changes in the economy and a new administration in the White House, this is a good time to review the outlook for this vital industry. Overall, things are looking good for Cal

  Manufacturing Day occurs every year on the first Friday in October – this year it’s Friday, October 6th.  Although that may seem like a long way off, it’s amazing how time can fly by and all of a sudden you find yourself scrambling trying to figure out how you want to participate. 

Over the past several decades, major shifts in the manufacturing environment have occurred that have proven beneficial for domestic manufacturers. Industry statistics show that there is a rise in non-traditional manufacturing operations, especially among small and medium-sized companies. Much of

As a small or medium-sized manufacturer, you always have to work to your full potential to stay competitive. There are quotas to meet and deliveries to be made to satisfy existing customers and uphold a good reputation. Failing to be effective in throughput can lead to slow or delayed orders whic

A fancy title and office with a window will not make you a strong leader. Being a great leader is no easy task as you must inspire, motivate and be effective while becoming a well-respected member of your company. Whether or not you are comfortable with it, you will be in the spotlight with high

While the outlook is largely positive for the manufacturing industry in 2017, this doesn’t mean that there will be zero challenges. With growth comes competition, and manufacturers will need to adapt to these challenges if they want to become leaders and remain agile in the market place. While s

In today’s manufacturing environment, we know that getting the product to the customer in a timely manner while keeping the cost of production and delivery as inexpensive as possible is one of the top goals. In other words, businesses make the most money by giving as much value to the customer whi

Today’s manufacturing industry is helmed by a prevalent principle: reduce waste. The goal is to add as much value as possible to the customer while doing away with anything that does not contribute to a customer’s value.While it may be easy to jump from one specific aspect of your manufacturing pr

The latest and greatest new technology is something that many of us are prone to want – not just for the workplace, but for the personal aspects of our lives. The newest generation of smartphones, for example, is something many consumers buy simply because it’s the latest model. However, what you

In business, it’s often said that your biggest asset is your people. But how do employees factor into manufacturing? In the manufacturing arena, your employees may very well be more valuable than ever. Technology and automation may have phased out some people-filled roles, but those that remain ha

Productivity metrics allow management to understand precisely what’s happening throughout a manufacturing operation. What areas need improvement and who should be rewarded for exceeding standards can be determined with the right metrics, which allow managers to intelligently guide their team forw

Answering the question of what kind of changes your manufacturing operation could best benefit by is a bit like asking to know the future. That’s because the best answer to the question would take into account a number of future factors, including: What could happen in your target market What’s

As new technology goes, so goes the trajectory of how we work. From fire, the wheelbarrow and agriculture to today’s automation of so many tasks, new technology has reshaped how we produce things. For manufacturers, that can include a host of advancements featuring unexpected savings. What might

Do you have any employees in your manufacturing operation that have been in the military? If it has proven to be a wise hiring decision, it’s probably no accident. That’s because the discipline of logistics – a highly advantageous system for manufacturers in particular – has its roots in the mili

According to the most recent report from the Institute for Supply Management, the manufacturing sector is doing quite well, along with the general U.S. economy. The industry’s health indicator, the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), rose to a healthy 54.7 percent in December – an increase of 1.5 p

Small manufacturers feature a different set of considerations from their larger counterparts. These are small businesses that are privately owned and operated, typically featuring a small number of employees. According to the United States Small Business Administration (SBA), a small manufacturin

AS9100, the internationally adopted Quality Management System (QMS) for the aerospace industry, has been updated. These changes are intended to reflect the needs of an evolving marketplace and stay aligned with ISO 9001, which was updated in 2015. All organizations that are currently certified wi

In good economic times and in bad economic times, your employees are your most valuable resource. You always want to receive 100% from your workers, but it is also important to recognize that a strong work-life balance is key to building and keeping a strong workforce. However, striking a healthy