A common challenge that many organizations face is the ability to sustain their continuous improvement efforts beyond their initial deployment. One reason for this is the belief that these initiatives must be driven from the top down throughout the organization.…
by Deane Patterson, Principal, Patterson Consulting
COVID-19 has drastically altered our lives and interactions. Employees with internet access, a computer and a phone are able to work remotely and for some, the office is no longer the physical epicenter of…
by Bob Zaruta, President/CEO, NWIRC
Autumn is underway and football has returned. October is Manufacturing Month, Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and International Strategic Planning Month. The COVID-19 pandemic and crisis continue to disrupt, alter the course, and force change in what…
by Susan Hileman, NWIRC Strategic Business Advisor
One of the consistent messages we’ve heard as we talk with manufacturers throughout the region is, “I made it through this time, but I don’t know what will happen if we get hit…
With the Fall season now upon us, some may have already begun their checklist to clean up and prepare for winter. We scramble to accomplish everything we can, so our yards are clean and outdoor furniture put away, before the…
NIST-MEP* recently published an article on their Manufacturing Innovation Blog that will be helpful for manufacturers as you consider future equipment purchases. This information guides you with thought-provoking questions to use as you begin to vet new technology.
Before you…
It is quite possible to be a fast growing, profitable company and still end up insolvent, although it is rare to find a company that is well-managed with an eye towards cash-flow and working capital to wind up in that…
The pandemic has decimated entire industries, interrupted supply chains and upended traditional business development processes. But this disruption has created opportunity for many manufacturers. By returning to their entrepreneurial roots, they can seize the future of their business through novel…