CMTC Manufacturing Blog

As the U.S. and the global economy bounces back, manufacturing continues to be on the rise. Therefore, companies are looking to open new facilities, domestically and internationally, and expand their existing operations to drive future revenue.

Much has changed in recent years with regards to manufacturing intelligence. While manufacturing issues have become more complicated in nature, new technologies have emerged to manage those challenges.

With speed-to-market becoming such a critical aspect of the supply chain, manufacturers are pressed to meet the delivery date, regardless of any issues, using the most cost-effective methods.

The modern consumer demands that food products be free from harmful contaminants that could lead to illness. Growers, shippers, retailers, wholesalers, and restaurants are all required to ensure there are no food processing safety mistakes.

Evolving consumer shopping and eating habits continuously transform the food and beverage supply chain. Consumers are ditching the fatty and salty foods of the past and are now in search of healthier and fresher food and beverage alternatives.

When you think about Manufacturing Day, you may be thinking to yourself, “I don’t have the time to host an event. What I manufacture isn’t that interesting. Is it really that big of a deal?” Well, actually, it is a big deal.  Manufacturing Day is a national celebration, which occurs every year on the first Friday in October (this year it's October 6, 2017).

It was started as a way to help change common misperceptions about manufacturing; to get the word out about manufacturing and how 21^st Century manufacturing is not manufacturing as your parents or grandparents knew it.  Not to imply that manufacturing wasn’t important during those years.  It was huge.  

The best managers are always seeking cost-saving opportunities within their manufacturing operations. Of all of those opportunities, there is no better cost to mitigate than that of poor quality. Lost labor hours and scrapping valuable food materials contributes zero value to your goals.

Therefore, to eliminate waste and improve quality, you must maintain a strategic approach which incorporates the following list to help improve product quality in food manufacturing.

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.

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 expectations for your effectiveness. Those who work for you are looking for direction and guidance while your direct reports expect to see results.

Labor costs are likely the largest line item on your company balance sheet. Therefore, a successful cost reduction strategy must adequately balance resourcing and cost controls.

While laying off part of the workforce may seem like the quickest and easiest solution to reducing labor costs in manufacturing, it may not be the best way to resolve the issue. The cost of finding and training new employees is extremely high—so it makes more financial sense to hold on to your employees and keep them happy.

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 which in turn can lead to customers turning to your competition.