For decades now, one of the most important buzz words in American manufacturing has been globalization. Because the dawn of widescreen globalization brought about many drastic changes in the last half of the 20th century, many American manufacturers feel uneasy … Continued
Between state, federal, and local law, most manufacturing companies are governed by dozens–if not hundreds–of regulations regarding everything from manufacturing process to working conditions. Though the vast majority of small and medium-sized business owners do make an honest, good-faith effort … Continued
Master production scheduling is one of the most vital functions that each and every manufacturing company must perform. In the old days, such work was managed painstakingly through the manual collection, analysis, and implementation of information using paperwork and physical … Continued
Auto manufacturing and the unique challenges the industry is facing today. Automobile manufacturing is an iconic form of American manufacturing that has been an integral part of the economy ever since the invention and popularization of the automobile itself. Today, … Continued
Robotics are changing manufacturing–primarily because robots are now smarter than ever. Robots are now routinely equipped with smart sensing technology, they boast impressive dexterity, they can utilize memory, and they can even be trained to perform new tasks or to … Continued
The past ten years have been a decade of change for the manufacturing industry. That decade has seen enormous growth within the developing world, it has seen an enormous fluctuation in local markets due to the Great Recession and the … Continued
Inventory management represents one of the most important–and, oftentimes, most challenging–administrative aspects of manufacturing. Inefficiencies, and inaccuracies in inventory management can be quite costly and time-consuming to set right, which underscores the importance of ensuring that everything runs smoothly. In … Continued
Financial pain points for manufacturers: Managing finances in the manufacturing industry can easily be one of the most complex and time-consuming aspects of running a small to medium sized manufacturing company. This includes, of course, the big financial picture: ensuring … Continued
Tool and die manufacturing primarily involves the creation of tools used in other manufacturing processes. These are generally used as components of larger machines. For example, the cutting edges of blades and tips used for cutting and shaping materials, molds … Continued
One of the biggest logistical challenges facing job shop manufacturers is scheduling. Because job shops handle customized orders, no two jobs are ever exactly the same. This means that the materials needed for each and every job will be slightly … Continued