Automation, AI (artificial intelligence), robots. The future of manufacturing will increasingly depend on these technologies which are today making themselves indispensible in warehouses around the globe. Thanks to advancements in big data and the internet of things—both topics we’ve often touched on here—these once-futuristic...
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Value Propositions in B2B
16
Nov2018
Categories :Business, Latest News
When marketing goods or services B2B (business to business), it’s crucial to avoid falling into the commodity trap. Basing your competitive position purely on pricing considerations is the first step in a race to the bottom in which no wins. Ask customers what they...
Read MoreMRO Consumables
15
Nov2018
Categories :Latest News
MRO consumables often aren’t very glamorous, but they’re essential to plant operations. What Are MRO Consumables? MRO is defined as maintenance, repair and operations/operating supplies. What’s included in this category will vary from business to business. MROs can be grouped into a few categories...
Read MoreFinancial Disaster Recovery
15
Nov2018
Categories :Business, Latest News
Inspired by hurricane season, we talked about preparing for disaster recovery in early October, and we hinted at an equally important parallel process: preparing for financial disaster. Savvy business people don’t let a good economy give them a false sense of security. It’s not...
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Attracting and retaining talent in manufacturing is an ongoing concern. A variety of factors are conspiring. Baby boomers are retiring, market demand is strong, manufacturing work is not on the radar of the younger generation, and many workers just don’t have the skills which...
Read MoreWorking With Family
08
Oct2018
Categories :Business, Latest News
Ever dreamed about running a family business? Maybe you already do. Running a business together as a family can be a study in extremes. This article in the Columbia (Missouri) Business Times paints a glowing picture, profiling three happy family businesses. One mom reflects...
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Categories :Latest News
While Hurricane Florence didn’t quite fulfill the extremely dire predictions on the news, it was still a huge disaster by any measure. According to the Wall Street Journal, Moody’s estimates the damages from Florence to be $50 billion including damage to property, vehicle losses,...
Read MoreMillennial Economic Trends
01
Oct2018
Categories :Business, Latest News
Today’s economy seems to be full of contradictions. The GDP and stock market soar while wages stay stagnant. Unemployment drops while wages stay stagnant. Millennials represent 33% of the population, and they’re on track to be the most educated generation to date, according to...
Read MoreFinding Opportunity in Competition
07
Sep2018
Categories :Business, Latest News
Do you ever feel like you’re the puny upstart, facing off against an 800-pound gorilla in the business world? Well, size doesn’t confer immunity from obstacles. Just like tales of David and Goliath, sometimes the little guy can get the drop on the big...
Read MoreEmployee Volunteerism
05
Sep2018
Categories :Business, Latest News
Employee engagement is a big buzzword right now. We all know that engagement is essential to a thriving workplace and high-performing employees. Briefly, here’s a definition from Forbes.com: Employee engagement is the emotional commitment the employee has to the organization and its goals. ...
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