CMTC Manufacturing Blog

Posted by Steven Brand on Jun 19, 2018 1:43:41 PM

While manufacturers have traditionally been hesitant to invest in their operations due to cost, a recent National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) survey of more than 500 manufacturers reveals that 65% plan to increase capital spending in the coming years. Where is the money going to go? Experts predict most manufacturers will look toward revamping their facilities in order to adapt to the demands of today’s digital world.

Posted by Steven Brand on Jun 7, 2018 9:45:00 AM

Many consider 2017 the "worst year ever” for data breaches and cyberattacks, largely due to the rise in ransomware. And IT experts predict it’s only going to get worse. According to the Online Trust Alliance (OTA), a non-profit that works to develop tools and best practices that enhance internet security, cyberattacks targeting manufacturers and others nearly doubled in volume from the previous year.

Posted by Steven Brand on May 23, 2018 11:41:50 AM

Social media. Love it or hate it, there’s no denying its power. Today, nearly 210 million Americans engage in social media communities, from Facebook to LinkedIn, Twitter to YouTube. In California alone, there are nearly 30 million active social media users—that’s nearly 80% of the state’s population. By embracing social media, California’s small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) benefit from a low-cost marketing tool that can drive more sales, engage a wide variety of social-demographic groups, recruit new talent, and much more.

Posted by Steven Brand on May 16, 2018 10:02:01 AM

From creating the first machine tools during the Industrial Revolution to welcoming robots onto factory floors in the early 1960’s, manufacturers can be quick to adopt new technologies. They are employing more advanced robotics, embracing 3D printing, and more. Now, another technology has captured the attention of manufacturers—the Internet of Things (IoT).

Posted by Steven Brand on May 10, 2018 11:03:21 AM

The changing face of the American worker has manufacturers considering the importance of diversity. Today, California is the most diverse state within the contiguous United States (only Hawaii has more diversity).

Posted by Steven Brand on Apr 25, 2018 9:11:35 AM

Exporting is big business in California—$171.9 billion last year alone. The Golden State currently exports to nearly 230 foreign markets, with our neighbors Mexico and Canada placing #1 and #2 respectively. So what’s keeping your Company from taking advantage of global trade?

Posted by Steven Brand on Apr 18, 2018 9:02:42 AM

Supply chain management has long been used to reduce costs, improve efficiencies, and increase customer satisfaction. Today, many companies even believe that a lot of competition within the manufacturing sector is not just about who has the greater product or better brand, but who has the best supply chain.

Posted by Steven Brand on Apr 4, 2018 9:46:57 AM

Manufacturers are continuously working to improve safety within their facilities, and their efforts are paying off.  The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the number of manufacturing injuries have improved considerably over the years, from seven injury cases per 100 people in 2003 to just four cases per 100 people in 2016. And California, despite holding the nation’s largest manufacturing sector, also had the fourth lowest rate of fatalities in the nation (only Connecticut, Delaware, and Washington fared better).

Posted by Steven Brand on Mar 29, 2018 9:26:38 AM

Hate professional networking? You’re not alone. Unless you’re the eternal extrovert, some people find the networking experience intimidating and phony; from the elevator pitches to the “Hi my name is” stickers, it can be a bit of a drag. But did you ever stop to think, perhaps that’s because you’re going about it the wrong way?