Reading Time: 9 minutesThere is a belief that manufacturing is a mechanical process with not much thinking involved. While this is wrong for manufacturing in general it is especially wrong for process manufacturers – companies that produce food and beverages, paints, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Each day these manufacturers manage complex supply chains, carry out highly precise production, … Read more
Reading Time: 6 minutesBefore COVID, new technologies in manufacturing took years, sometimes decades, to become fully accepted. The pandemic, however, has speeded up those transitions by years. If you want to argue that these changes are in technology only, there was a recent Bloomberg article which noted that: “companies from noodle makers to semi-conductor giants are spending on … Read more
Reading Time: 4 minutesThe pandemic pushed manufacturers and distributors to rapidly shift gears, from addressing work-from-home policies to managing extreme swings in demand and uncertain supply chains. A 2020 SYSPRO survey showed that 60% of manufacturing and distribution businesses were impacted by supply chain disruptions during the pandemic. In fact, 29% of businesses stated they would explore initiatives … Read more
Reading Time: 5 minutesWhen the COVID-19 pandemic hit, some of the challenges it posed to manufacturing and distribution were new. But, in truth, it’s more accurate to say that the pandemic exposed weaknesses that had existed years before the public health crisis exploded. I should know. I grew up in manufacturing. My family owned a manufacturing operation, so … Read more
Reading Time: 5 minutesManufacturing leadership was under tremendous pressure before the pandemic to provide growth and profitability in a highly competitive market. Then the pandemic upended everything, throwing manufacturing and the supply chain into chaos. One of the keys to regaining is building relationships with key stakeholders: internal people, customers, prospects, and partners. But first, we need to … Read more
Reading Time: 4 minutesBaby boomers are retiring en masse, and the manufacturing sector is hungry for new talent. Millennials may just be the answer. A Deloitte report showed that millennials, who are already emerging as leaders in technology and other industries, will comprise 75 percent of the global workforce by 2025. But while the industry brings in new … Read more
Reading Time: 5 minutesERP software has come a long way since its introduction in the 1990s. Now, ERP systems are becoming platforms. A platform is a software ecosystem that businesses can use to deploy additional business applications, at less cost and with more flexibility than traditional software programs have allowed. ERP platforms manage the major processes throughout an … Read more
Reading Time: 6 minutesFor manufacturing businesses who are undergoing a process of selecting an Enterprise Resource Planning system (What is ERP Part 2) , a number of critical elements should be considered. These critical factors range from the identification of key objectives, through to top management support and together result in the successful deployment of your ERP solution, … Read more
Reading Time: 4 minutesIn 2020, amidst the pandemic, Nike pushed the sustainability envelope by producing their most environmentally friendly shoe to date. Fabricated with over 50% recycled material, the shift solidified the rise of recycled materials as a commodity in the circular economy. Circularity refers to the continual use of resources and the elimination of waste. Waste from … Read more
