CMTC Manufacturing Blog

Posted by Steven Brand on Aug 15, 2018 9:30:56 AM

Sensors have played a role in manufacturing for years, but until recently they have been largely constrained by issues such as system noise, signal attenuation, and response dynamics. Today, integration of local computing power and the Internet of Things (IoT) has transformed ordinary sensors into smart sensors, enabling them to carry out complex calculations on measured data locally within a sensor module.

Posted by Steven Brand on Aug 3, 2018 10:21:51 AM

It’s no longer just for gaming! Virtual Reality (VR), sometimes referred to as Augmented Reality (AR), is shaking things up across all industries, including manufacturing. While the technology is currently being employed mainly by large manufacturers, like additive manufacturing and the cobots before it, growing acceptance of the technology is likely to cause prices to drop, allowing small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) to take advantage of its powers as well.

Posted by Steven Brand on Jul 23, 2018 10:24:37 AM

When seeking out a new job, potential employees want to understand what will be expected of them and how they will be evaluated if brought onboard; on the other hand, employers want to be sure they are interviewing the right candidates for the right job, and not wasting valuable time interviewing under- or over-qualified individuals. One way to ensure each party gets what they want is to craft a well-thought-out and detailed job description.  

Posted by Steven Brand on Jul 5, 2018 1:32:48 PM

The tweet. These days, it seems that when you hear about Twitter it’s usually because a celebrity, politician, or even virtual nobody has posted an online faux-pas, resulting in a swift backlash that causes a public apology at best and career suicide at worst. Knowing the destructive powers of the little blue bird, why do so many people continue to engage with it? Numbers.

Posted by Steven Brand on Jun 26, 2018 12:17:35 PM

Dark, dirty, dangerous. Unfortunately, this outdated perception of manufacturing persists to this day, and it can keep away new talent. By 2025, nearly 25 percent of the United States population is expected to be aged 60 or older, meaning many manufacturing workers will be leaving the factory floor. This makes attracting the next generation of workers critical to ensuring the industry remains vibrant. With this thought in mind, the National Association of Manufacturers and the Manufacturing Institute developed National Manufacturing Day.

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).