December 7, 2004
Strong Finish for Manufacturing Sector?
The latest Manufacturing Report on Business by the Institute for Supply Management is better than expected, indicating an upbeat end to the year. Discover the status of new orders and factory employment:
Recommended Reading
It's a good time to open The Present: The Gift That Makes You Happier and More Successful at Work and in Life, Today! from the author of The One Minute Manager. Uncover why The Present can make you more productive and prosperous:
Bundles of Facts
How many packages are sent during the holidays and what day is the busiest of all? Warm up to some fun facts about this hectic time of year:
Top Tech Trends of 2004
From the growing use of industrial portals to the rush to implement RFID, trend watchers got an eyeful this year. Take a look at the hottest marketplace trends of 2004:
Year-End Tax Tips Can Save You a Bundle
By making smart last-minute tax moves, you can bring a more profitable end to the year. Here are some quick tips on getting your finances in order:
5 Things We Learned in 2004
The year's hits and misses have taught us a few lessons. Here are 5 nuggets of wisdom that could come in handy for your business next year:
Box Biz Heats Up
Competition for the corrugated box market is becoming increasingly fierce. Find out what new tactics U.S. box makers are trying to grow their business:
Food Packaging: The Ultimate Wrap-Up
Because of constantly changing consumer demands and FDA requirements, things rarely get stale in the food packaging industry. Get a healthy serving of its history, current trends and innovations:
November 23, 2004
Wearable Computers are All the Rage
Body-worn computers are shedding their strictly-for-the-military image and getting fashionable in several industries. Discover why some companies are trying them on for size:
Six Sigma Gets More Accessible
The original creators of Six Sigma didn't have the little guy in mind when they designed this business initiative. Find out why small to midsize companies are now catching on:
Recommended Reading
Get an eye-opening look at the power of supply chain management in The Incredible Payback: Innovative Sourcing Solutions That Deliver Extraordinary Results, featuring amazing success stories from best-of-the-best procurement organizations.
Locking in Lower Energy Prices
Escalating natural gas prices are hurting us in more ways than we think, raising the price of electricity as well. This winter, start examining and planning your energy usage to save big next year:
Risk-Proofing Your Supply Chain
By streamlining our supply chains, many of us have cut costs. But we've taken on greater risk as well. Here's how to prepare for potential disruptions:
Automotive Suppliers Step It Up
If you thought automakers had it tough due to huge cost reduction pressures, just wait till you find out what their suppliers go through. Travel down their bumpy road:
The Road to E-Sourcing
By e-sourcing or enabling your strategic sourcing processes with technology tools, you can improve process efficiencies and time to market. But first, you need to put four things in place:
Spending on Services Robust
Reaching $533 billion this year, the services market is healthy and growing. Discover why companies are spending more on services and what it means for the economy:
Procurement, Then & Now
Purchasing has undergone tremendous change. Not only are purchasing departments embracing a new role, they're sporting a new image and attitude as well:
November 9, 2004
How Productive Are We Really?
Productivity is soaring, and our workforce is the world's most productive. Or so we think. Dig up the real story and what it means for your paycheck:
The Formula for Product Success
How can you forecast if your new product or service will be a hit? Evaluate it with these four benchmarks to preview its market future:
Recommended Reading
Touted as revolutionary, auto-ID technology promises instant two-way communication within supply chains. Explore the implications in Raising the Bar: The Value of Auto-ID Technology.
U.S. Navy Steers Ship Design
How do you make sure a ship design doesn't sink? You ask the people who are actually going to use the ship for their input. Get onboard the U.S. Navy's new approach:
Zeroing in on Your Next Forklift Truck or Fleet
Lift trucks are complex, application-specific products. Haul in the best one for your operations with these 10 tips on selection:
Need More Space? Go Overhead.
When moving products through your facility, you don't have to stay on the ground. Look up overhead systems and how they can help you maximize space:
8 Ways to Fast Track Your Warehouse
Your business is growing, but your warehouse can't keep up. Here's how to boost throughput in your facility without building new capacity:
How to Make the Leap to RFID
The RFID deadlines set by the federal government and major retailers are just weeks away. Kick deployment into high gear with a four-phase action plan:
Top 5 Buzzwords in Materials Handling
Both new technologies and proven solutions are capturing the attention of material handlers. Discover why these five words and phrases have seized the spotlight:
October 27, 2004
Engineering Explains Our Failing Bodies
The autumn of our lives comes sooner than we think (it's downhill from age 11). Now, an engineering theory is explaining how and why we age, and how to slow down the process:
Recommended Reading
Looking for a way to renovate your bottom line? Learn from fearlessly creative leaders in Guts!: Companies that Blow the Doors off Business-as-usual.
Turning a Historic Landmark into a Flexible Factory
Ford Motor Co. transformed a historic site into the auto industry's most flexible and eco-friendly factory. Peek inside the drastically revamped facility:
Smart Dust Boosts Building IQ Level
Tiny interactive sensors are promising to help facilities run more efficiently. Discover what will happen when the dust settles:
Insourcing: The Quiet Phenomenon
Often neglected by the media, insourcing is bringing billions of dollars worth of jobs to the U.S. Explore the trend as well as the top 10 states and cities it's affecting:
Adjusting Power Usage Can Save Billions
According to a recent study, facility executives can realize huge savings by responding to electricity price fluctuations. Find out exactly how much you can rake in:
Do Better Facilities Translate to Better Workers?
For many facility executives, saying that buildings affect productivity would be stating the obvious. But you'd be surprised at what the research shows:
The Changing Face of Facilities Management
It's a season of fresh starts for facilities management. Find out how a new sustainable approach is helping managers boost a triple bottom line:
October 1, 2004
Announcing the First Annual Progressive Manufacturing Summit
Managing Automation will hold its first annual Progressive Manufacturing Summit, exploring essential business and technology disciplines for progressive manufacturers:
September 14, 2004
Industrial Biotech Poised to Transform Manufacturing
You think the Internet's influence on manufacturing is huge? Make way for the "third wave" of biotechnology and the sweeping changes it promises to bring to the sector:
Skidding Away from Rubber
A novel class of plastics is mounting a challenge to rubber and attempting to secure new, more rigorous industrial applications. Will rubber get bounced?
3D Printing Makes Its Mark
With 3D printers coming down in price, more companies are realizing the benefits of rapid prototyping. Examine the fine print behind this trend:
Just One Word…Composites
Blending plastics with other materials creates composites with extraordinary properties. Discover what industries are getting into the mix:
10 Tips for Making PC Products
Polycarbonate (PC) is valued for its adaptability, but molding this well-known plastic can get tricky. Get some expert advice on processing PC:
Mind-Bending Facts about Plastics
Because they are so common, plastics are easy to take for granted. Here are some eye-opening stats that could re-mold your view:
Top 5 Advances in Plastics
Plastics are seemingly everywhere, and now they're showing up in technologies that could transform the way we live. Find out what's in the bag:
Manufacturing Improves--But More Slowly
Factory output is still increasing but at a less rapid pace, says the latest Manufacturing Report on Business by the Institute for Supply Management. Find out what this implies about the economic expansion:
August 31, 2004
A Decade of E-Commerce
For a ten-year-old idea, online retail has grown up fast. Today it makes up 6.6 percent of the total economy. Buckle down and review its conception, effect on world commerce, and challenges along the way:
360vu Turns Small Businesses Around
Part of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), 360vu helps small businesses gain a competitive edge. In our exclusive interview, director Mike Stone explains the nuts and bolts of the organization. Give it a spin:
Recommended Reading
As industrial enterprises flourished in the United States, so did labor unions. Trace their history in Hard Work: Remaking the American Labor Movement by Rick Fantasia and Kim Voss.
Bustle in the Bighouse
Some companies, including manufacturers, reason that the solution to low-cost labor can be found inside the U.S. - in our nation's prisons. Can employed inmates arrest the trend towards outsourcing?
Remote Management Rallies Web-Watchers
Commuting is highly overrated, especially when real-time information about your plant's production is just a click away. Take a break with an overview of online factory management:
A City's Mission Critical
San Antonio, known for its emblematic mission of old, is combating outsourcing by training future manufacturers. Sally forth and see why their model has captured the attention of industrial centers nationwide:
Computer Generated Gruntwork
The sun hasn't set on the daily grind. Even though more manufacturers are delegating their dirty work to enterprise resource software, they might be sweeping fundamental business protocol under the rug:
Got Skills?
There's a dire shortage of machinists who work with intricate parts, and right now employers are scrambling to hire them. In a troubled job market, what makes these craftsmen such a hot commodity? The secret is in the details:
The State of Industry Labor
Straight from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are some engaging facts to whet your workday whistle. Plus, wage the industry reactions to the outsourcing movement:
August 17, 2004
Will Automated Sports Strike Out?
New gizmos and materials help athletes hit farther, run longer, and jump higher. Will the competition balance out in the end? See why the experts think technology has its limitations:
Kick-Start Your Motorcycle Know-How
Accelerate your biking smarts with riveting facts and restoration tips. While you're getting revved up, make sure you enter to win the ThomasNet.com custom chopper we're giving away in celebration of our launch. A sweet ride is just a click away!
Recommended Reading
The best game of golf is played the way the designers of the course had in mind. Before you choose an iron or a wedge for your next slice, why not peruse Grounds For Golf: The History and Fundamentals of Golf Course Design.
Key Players Behind On-Air Magic
It started with a team of cameras, eight computers and four technicians animating the first down line. It quickly spread to the tee-off and the strike zone. Intercept the secret of these sportscast transmission tricks:
Digitally Derived Home Runs
While some coaches cross their fingers for that triple play or field goal, others rely on computers to generate data-driven game plays and virtual practice. Track the digital sports evolution:
Second String No More
Think California and Japan are the only regions making great strides in tech? Think again. From Minneapolis to Moscow, businesses are jumping to the forefront of technology. Suit up for a tour of the growing hot spots:
Sporting Goods Market Ahead of the Game
The Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association reports its industry packed a steady punch this past year. Did traditional pastimes finish first or did extreme sports edge the competition? Tally the stats:
Stadium Frontrunner: Retractable Roofs
Versatile, retractable roofs are tackling the growing nostalgia for natural grass and light by sliding away thousands of pounds of glass and steel in minutes. Uncover how the engineers served up a winning design:
Behold the Bronze, Silver & Gold
These Olympic three have been outperforming their peers in manufacturing applications for centuries. And, their latest feats will clench their place on the industrial podium for years to come:
August 4, 2004
Bionic Leaps and Bounds
Clunky, cumbersome, and clumsy are three words that could best describe the general perception of prosthetic limbs. An Icelandic company set out to change of all that. Preview the new graceful and gallant Rheo Knee:
Fourteen Months & Going Strong
According to the Institute of Supply Management's Manufacturing Report on Business, the manufacturing sector grew for the 14th consecutive month in July despite slowing deliveries and declining inventory. Read for all the details:
Recommended Reading
Vintage cars ignite a flame of passion for many, including Brock Yates in his book The Hot Rod: Resurrection of a Legend, where nostalgic indulgence and engine power merge to finish in first.
The Long & Icy Road
The United States' food industry, built on the backbone of meat shipping, has had some creative ways of delivering during hot spells, until the FDA stepped in. Cool down with a view of life in the chiller:
Ride a White Hot Rocket
Rocket engines have shot numerous spacecrafts and satellites into the far regions of space. How does all that weight get off the launch pad, let alone out of the stratosphere? Get to know the science behind the red glare:
Eight States Tell Plants to Cool It
Steaming with anger, eight states are suing the top five American energy producers because of their contribution to global warming. Will these companies roast in court? See what it boils down to:
Harvesting the Sun
Through a hot new process ironically called "cold sintering", one company simplified the blisteringly expensive practice of coating nano-particles that harness solar power. Catch a glimpse of their powerful glean:
Some Like It Hot
Tabasco sauce, Death Valley, and the Miami Heat are all inspired or driven by high temperatures. Hot things have infiltrated health, food, and even entertainment. Sweat it out with these spicy statistics:
Sizzlin' New Firefighting Tech
Where there's smoke, there's a fire. But what if it contains hazardous gases? What substance will snuff if out? Find out how firefighters across the nation use new technology to stifle the blaze:
July 20, 2004
Hybrid Fleets Takes City Streets
The City of Seattle proudly boasts of 235 new additions to their public transportation force: cleaner, more efficient hybrid buses from General Motors. Climb aboard these beneficial buses:
The Power of the Pen
No more counting quarters at the Xerox machine. Planon System Solutions' new DocuPen is able to photocopy a page of text in a single stroke. Scan the amazing features of this device:
Recommended Reading
In America's gilded age, three electrical engineers compete to shock the nation in Empires of Light: Edison, Telsa, Westinghouse, and the Race to Electrify the World.
How A Patent is Born
It's not easy being a genius. After the attorney meetings, application filing, U.S. Patent Office negotiation, and heaps of fees, it's a wonder anyone gets a patent. Witness the miracle of invention:
Bright Ideas Get a Boost
Research costs and risks are just some of the reasons brilliant innovations of small companies simmer on the back burner. See how The National Institute of Standards and Technology's special program fuels the creative fire:
Gyros Take a Test Spin
When engineers coupled the brute strength of a cargo plane and the agility of a helicopter, they got the versatile gyroplane, able to muscle millions of pounds of material across the globe. Where will they touch down?:
Trailblazers In Technology
What do you owe Dr. Martin Cooper and Dr. Robert Adler? Only the invention of the mobile phone and remote control. Meet the unfamiliar faces behind some of today's commonplace gizmos:
10 Tech Breakthroughs
Why not take a quantum leap with a shiny new pair of biomechatronic legs? Fantasy and reality merge in these latest technological advances. Preview new trends that will change the way we live:
SensorNet Casts Watchful Eye
Oak Ridge National Labs enhances plant security, their top priority, with SensorNet, which can detect the minutest biological or chemical threat. Inspect SensorNet and other perceptive technology:
July 7, 2004
It's a Bird! It's a Crane! It's…an Airbag!
Origami is a Japanese paper-folding art dating back centuries. Engineers are now using the rules of this craft in technological and industrial applications. Unfold origami's secrets:
Manufacturing Economy Holds Steady
As the second quarter of 2004 comes to a close, the numbers of the June Institute for Supply Management Manufacturing Report on Business indicate that while growth is slowing, momentum is strong. Scan the latest findings:
Recommended Reading
Just starting out with transportation and warehouse management? Logistics and the Out-Bound Supply Chain (Manufacturing Engineering Modular Series) is a greenhorn's guide to the process.
Working on the Railroad
Train and rail design has chugged quite a distance from its humble – and somewhat odd – beginnings. Brush up on your railroad engineering history:
Smooth Sailing on Ol' Miss?
Cargo shippers and environmentalists lock heads over the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' $7.7 billion proposal to improve navigation for barges on the Mississippi River. Will this plan float?:
Logistics All-Stars
The Logistics & Supply Chain Forum Advisory Board recently recognized five devoted logisticians of diverse backgrounds as leaders in their fields. Meet the logistic dream team:
Technology Leaves a Trail
It's 9 a.m. Do you know where your goods are? With RFID, it will soon be possible to trace products globally with a grain-of-sand-sized chip. Track its progress so far:
The Chain Gang
Transportation and warehouse management systems are working together to increase proficiency in the supply chain. Find out how they are helping companies by land and by DC:
Statistics in Transit
According to the latest Bureau of Transportation report, the U.S. transportation system accounts for $1 out of every $10 of the GDP. See what modes of transportation are carrying the heaviest load:
June 23, 2004
The Scoop on Ice Cream
This summertime treat has been enjoyed for centuries. Get a taste of its manufacturing history, starting from the time Romans collected ice from mountaintops:
New Legislation to Weaken OSHA?
Congress is mulling legislation that would make it easier for small businesses to challenge the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Learn its pros and cons:
Recommended Reading
Get access to previously unpublished information on the world's most renowned name in tractors in Inside John Deere: A Factory History, a unique photohistory.
Waste Treatment Goes Natural
As an alternative to waste treatment plants, more man-made wetlands are being used to sanitize sludge without pollution or high energy costs. Here's why they're so effective:
Automated Cell Solves Expansion Dilemma
A heating and cooling system part manufacturer needed to renovate its factory to accommodate its growing business. Find out how a compact automated cell did the trick while conserving floor space:
The History and Evolution of the Factory
Did you know that factories predated the Industrial Revolution? Discover the world's first factory and explore the major trends that have brought it to modernity:
The Basics of Lean Manufacturing & Maintenance
The word "lean" has become a refrain in many operations. Learn what it truly means and how it applies to manufacturing and maintenance:
Factory Employment is On the Mend At Last
After shedding nearly 3 million jobs in the past few years, factories are finally hiring again. Find out why jobs are returning and which manufacturing industries are posting job gains:
6 Things You Should Know About Six Sigma
Six Sigma has helped launch companies into working at near-perfect standards. If you don't know much about it, Six Sigma can be a baffling mathematical mystery. Brush up on the basics:
June 9, 2004
Gasoline to Aid Fuel Cell Technology
Fuel-cell cars face a significant roadblock—the difficulty of storing and distributing hydrogen. Fortunately, researchers have found a way to quickly and efficiently extract hydrogen from gasoline:
Recommended Reading
A financial guru reveals how following oil prices can lead investors to real financial security in The Oil Factor: How to Protect Yourself – and Profit – from the Coming Energy Crisis.
Fill Up on Energy Stats
Think prices are high now? Discover the all-time high for U.S. gasoline prices and learn what state charges the most for electricity (hint: itfs not on the East Coast):
The World's Greenest Cities
Urban areas gobble copious amounts of energy, accounting for most of world consumption. Discover 10 cities—including a few local standouts—that are innovators in eco-friendly energy usage:
Renewable Energy Set to Take Off
Energy sources such as wind, solar and bioenergy are fast expanding their reach in the market. Learn why the growth rate of these power alternatives is expected to accelerate:
How Factories are Offsetting Higher Energy Prices
While consumers are feeling the blow of oil price hikes, many manufacturers are surprisingly taking things in stride. Find out how they're keeping the prices of their goods largely unchanged:
Will Soaring Oil Prices Wreak Havoc on the Economy?
While OPEC's recent decision to raise its output had an immediate impact on oil prices, its moderating effect will be short-lived. Discover how surging prices will affect the economy:
Oil & Gas Forecast: This Year and Through 2025
Energy costs are surging, leaving many to wonder—how long will this go on? Find out what this summer holds for gasoline prices and jump ahead 20 years to explore the future of oil and gas:
May 25, 2004
Sidestepping Common Outsourcing Mistakes
Dating back to the 17th century, with the English East India Company, outsourcing is nothing new. Yet, we still make the same blunders. Here's how to stop history from repeating itself:
The Factory of Tomorrow
Move aside, lean manufacturing. Experts believe that future factories will adopt a new concept to optimize efficiency and rely on smart machines that will have the ability to learn:
Recommended Reading
Explore the story behind several historic engineering feats in Dreams of Iron and Steel: Seven Wonders of the Nineteenth Century, from the Building of the London Sewers to the Panama Canal.
Zinc Zooms Ahead in Popularity
A relative newcomer to the U.S. market, zinc is enjoying remarkable growth as a building material. Discover how the metal enhances structures and gives buildings a unique look:
The Benefits of Metal Injection Molding
While many are shying away from metal injection molding because of its huge startup cost, one contract manufacturer is realizing substantial gains. Learn the pluses of this specialized process:
Embossing Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Exhaust Pipes
Marking the exhaust pipes of these famous motorcycles with their model names can be tricky. Find out how embossing—or metal squeezing—is getting the job done:
The Secrets of Milling Titanium
As more job shops gravitate toward higher-end work, they must deal with the challenge of cutting titanium—a hard-to-machine metal. Here are several ways to boost productivity:
Will Steel Wheels Regain Lost Ground?
Steel was once used in 90% of automotive wheel production, until aluminum pushed it aside. Discover how steel is seeking to reclaim this market:
Metals: The Big Picture
Metal prices are reaching alarming levels because of domestic and global factors. Find out if prices will stabilize by year's end, and explore the developments that will determine their movement:
May 11, 2004
How to Deal with Slow-Paying Customers
Collecting a late payment from a customer can be awkward and tricky. Discover how some companies are approaching this problem:
7 Keys to Becoming a World-Class Manufacturer
Being "world-class" has nothing to do with your size or resources. It entails excelling in your market and weathering economic downturns. Find out what it takes to make it to this category:
Recommended Reading
Learn how to avoid the pitfalls associated with stamping designs, die designs and stamping die function in Die Makers Handbook, an illustrated reference book written by an expert in the field.
The Basics of Stamping Presses
Stamping is the fastest type of manufacturing. Discover how stamping presses shape parts and what advantages this method has to offer aside from incredible production speeds:
Manufacturing Job Outlook Brightens
The manufacturing sector continues to expand, albeit at a slower pace, while hiring has picked up speed, says the latest Manufacturing Report on Business by the Institute for Supply Management:
How One Packaging Company Makes the Cut
A firm specializing in die-cutting custom foam packaging and inserts has come a long way from its humble start as a small, garage-based business. Here's how it stands out in the industrial market:
Investment Casting Heats Up
The process may be thousands of years old, but investment casting—which involves making an expendable wax mold to fabricate metal parts—is capturing renewed attention. Learn why:
In-Mold Labeling Becomes "It" Technology
Used in Europe for 20 years, in-mold labeling—labeling during molding—is finally amassing packaging applications in North America. Find out why companies are embracing the technique:
The Changing Face of Mold and Die Making
Due to cultural shifts and the rise of offshore outsourcing, mold and die makers have to contend with a radically restructured industry. Here's what it takes to thrive in this new climate:
April 27, 2004
6 Keys to Gaining Trust in Negotiations
To be effective in any negotiation, you need to establish trust. Harvard Business School professor Deepak Malhotra reveals six techniques that can make you excel at the bargaining table:
U.S. Manufacturing Survival Hinges on Innovation
Many manufacturers continue to place too much emphasis on cost cutting. But in order to stay competitive and to grow, companies have to shift their focus from cost to value:
Recommended Reading
Explore the most significant engineering triumphs of the past 100 years in Century of Innovation: Engineering That Transformed Our Lives, which details dramatic feats as well as the less celebrated advances that have changed the world:
Now That's What I Call Music!
Listening to crisp, clear music as you drive can be a sublime experience—especially if your car is equipped with a topnotch automotive sound system. Find out how engineers ensure that sound quality rocks:
Making the Transition from Engineer to Manager
Engineers who take on management positions or become entrepreneurs must learn a whole new set of skills. Here are some ways that technical minds can adjust to a dramatically different way of thinking:
Reverse Engineering Gains Respectability
Reverse engineering—adapting or revising existing objects—is no longer viewed as a copycat's strategy. Learn why it has a new reputation and how it's improving designs, including a NASCAR engine:
How to Error-Proof the Assembly Line
According to Murphy's Law, whatever can go wrong, will. Here's how engineers are getting around that and banishing mistakes from the assembly process:
The State of Engineering
From technological advances to outsourcing, several trends are shaking up engineering. Discover the changes that are keeping engineers up at night and the new developments that are making their jobs easier:
April 13, 2004
Manufacturing Recovery Maintains Rapid Pace
The manufacturing sector is still expanding quickly, with factory activity, exports and hiring all up, says the latest Manufacturing Report on Business by the Institute for Supply Management:
Managing Employee Benefits: The Top Questions to Consider
Selecting the right benefit plan for your employees can be a difficult and complicated task. Here are some tips and quick questions to ask to make the process easier:
Recommended Reading
Experience the design process firsthand in Design Secrets: Products: 50 Real Life Product Design Projects Uncovered, which deconstructs select winners of the Industrial Design Excellence Awards:
5 Tips for Using Parts Libraries
To complete a design, parts from many different suppliers are often needed. This is where multi-supplier CAD parts libraries come in handy. Here are 5 quick ways to make the most of them:
Letting Programmers Do Less Programming
CAM software, which produces the instructions for machine tools, is making programming more and more automated. And for machine shops, this translates to a lot more than just saving time:
CAD on the Factory Floor
Plant floor personnel have been mostly shut out from the design process. Find out how mobile CAD technology is changing all that and facilitating real-time collaboration between them and designers:
The Rise of Rapid Prototyping
Rapid prototyping machines, which build physical models from CAD data, are improving quickly. Discover the latest breakthroughs and what they mean for design and manufacturing engineers:
The ABCs of CAD & CAM
Without computer-aided design and manufacturing, making products would be much more expensive and time-consuming. Explore the impact of CAD and CAM, how they work, and how they're different:
Major Trends in CAD & CAM
From offshoring to mass customization, several trends are affecting the development of computer-aided design and manufacturing tools. Examine some of the top developments in the industry:
March 30, 2004
12 Tips to Make Your Business Financially Fit
Before you can grow your business, you'll need to understand the basics of financial management. Here's a quick rundown:
How the Little Guy Can Land Big Contracts
Size doesn't have to matter when it comes to securing huge contracts. Find out how small and mid-sized manufacturers can win in the big leagues:
Recommended Reading
Ever wondered about the inner workings of everyday gadgets, from computers to automatic teller machines? Get the answers from The New York Times Circuits: How Electronic Things Work.
Superconductors May Claim New Applications
Superconductor technology can make motors and generators lighter and smaller. Learn how superconductors could significantly impact future warships as well as industrial markets:
Micro Fuel Cells Poised for Market Entry
Micro fuel cells are the future of portable electronic devices because rechargeable batteries simply can't keep up with the needs of users, who require lightweight and longer-lasting energy sources:
Light-Emitting Transistor Could Transform Industry
Scientists have assembled the first ever transistor that could simultaneously emit light and produce electronic signals. Discover the implications:
Giving Obsolete Electronics New Life
By 2005, one computer will reach obsolescence for every new one placed on the market. That amounts to a lot of electronics waste. Learn what it would take to set up a large-scale recovery program:
Debunking Popular "Chip Myths"
Do you think Moore's Law—the doubling of transistors on a chip every couple of years—will always hold? Think again. And find out what other common assumptions need to be revisited and revised:
5 Top Trends in the Electronics Industry
From stellar semiconductor sales to the slowing migration of manufacturing to China, the electronics industry can expect several major developments in the coming months. Examine five of them:
March 16, 2004
Recommended Reading
For more details on how nanotechnology may rewrite the rules of the game for almost every product, check out The Next Big Thing Is Really Small: How Nanotechnology Will Change the Future of Your Business.
Lean Goes Mainstream
Newer technologies are helping expand lean manufacturing beyond just the plant floor. Find out how entire organizations are completing the journey to lean:
Best 25 U.S. Cities for Business
Where are the top spots for companies setting up shop today? Some of the answers may surprise you. Also discover what 10 metro areas made it to the "worst" list:
Nanotechnology Breakthroughs: A Roundup
From a new nanocomposite coating process for food packaging to nanoscale Velcro-like materials, get the latest scoop on nanotech innovations from around the world:
Self-Assembly Technique to Shrink Electronics
Researchers are getting better at utilizing the natural tendency of certain molecules to arrange themselves into patterns. Discover how self-assembly techniques can create smaller and more advanced electronic devices:
Realizing the Potential of Carbon Nanotubes
Much stronger and lighter than steel and as thermally conductive as diamond, carbon nanotubes can enhance a wide variety of products. Find out their near-term and long-term applications:
The Risks & Rewards of Nanotechnology
Proponents say that the science could solve our energy problems and clean up the environment, but critics contend that it could harm living things, even destroy the human race. Explore both sides:
Will this Tiny Science Usher in the Next Industrial Revolution?
The government, industry and the academe are pouring billions of dollars on nanotechnology research and development. But will the science live up to the expectations? Examine its likely impact:
The ABCs of Nanotechnology
Its potential to create science-fiction-like devices has grabbed our attention. Now, learn the basics, including what nanotech is, how it started, and how it can enable the assembly of amazing new things:
March 2, 2004
Achieving Manufacturing Flexibility
Manufacturers face increasing pressure to broaden their product mix and to reduce their lead times. Discover how a new, much more flexible type of manufacturing system can help them do just that:
Manufacturing Upturn Increases in Scope
Factory activity continues to climb, and this time, all manufacturing industries are reporting growth, says the latest Manufacturing Report on Business by the Institute for Supply Management:
Recommended Reading
Just like gadgets, hot rods get sleeker and faster with the use of advanced materials. Get the details from Fiberglass & Composite Materials: An Enthusiast's Guide to High Performance Non-Metallic Materials for Automotive Racing and Marine Use.
Virtually Defect-Free Materials Set to Advance Electronics
Making ultra-efficient electronics—from high-quality light emitting devices to faster, cheaper computer chips—has just gotten more feasible, as engineers have created nearly defect-free hybrid materials:
Synthetic Diamonds: Shining Beyond the Jewelry Market
Diamonds are being grown in the lab not only to make beautiful jewelry, but also to fabricate high-powered electronic devices and surgical blades that stay sharp. Learn about their wide range of uses:
5 Ways to Select the Right Plastic
With at least 50,000 grades on the market, choosing the right plastic for a new product can confound even experienced engineers. Here's how to avoid common mistakes and make a smart selection:
Supersolid: A New State of Matter is Found
For the first time, physicists have created a supersolid—a solid that behaves like a liquid with zero viscosity—in the lab. Discover why this phase of matter is extremely bizarre:
Smart Fluids Solidify Market Presence
Smart fluids are not your average liquid, stiffening in the presence of a magnetic or electrical field. Find out why interest in these materials is rising and what commercial applications they're claiming:
Materials' Central Role in Product Personality
The material selected for a product will affect how it's perceived. For example, metals suggest precision while wood can connote craftsmanship. Explore how materials influence form and function:
February 17, 2004
Make Way for Virtual Engineering
Imagine a technology that unites virtual reality with CAD and analytical software. That's virtual engineering, and it may someday allow engineers to design, modify and analyze virtual models in real time:
What the Gov't Should Do to Help Manufacturers Compete
U.S. manufacturers face unprecedented global competition for capital and markets. Here's what the government can do to bolster U.S. manufacturing strength, according to the Dept. of Commerce:
Recommended Reading
How did two bike mechanics from Dayton, OH, accomplish what some of the world's greatest minds had been trying and failing to achieve for an entire century? First Flight: The Wright Brothers and the Invention of the Airplane reveals that it was not just a matter of luck:
A Look Back at 100 Years of Aircraft Materials
From the Wright brothers' historic flight on Dec. 17, 1903, airplane materials have changed over the years, from wood and fabric to metal. Find out what materials may be the next big thing:
Aerospace Job Shop Reveals Secrets for Success
How do you dramatically reduce setup time, lower costs and improve work quality in a job shop? For one aerospace shop, the answer lies in 5 words beginning with S:
New Technology Sees Through Paint, Wins Kudos from DoD
Thanks to a new infrared system, inspectors no longer have to strip paint from aircraft structures in order to check for corrosion or cracking. And the Department of Defense has taken notice:
Achieving Space—Not Just Air—Superiority
In the event of war, controlling space is just as vital as controlling the air, military experts say. Here's what the U.S. Air Force is doing to ensure that the country can defend itself in space:
Manned Mission to Mars: Pros & Cons
It's too expensive, and it may not even be feasible, many contend. Meanwhile, others say that pursuing this goal could single-handedly stimulate a stagnating profession--engineering:
Aerospace & Defense: Industry Outlook
Essentially flat sales for military and civilian planes are expected this year. But there's good news--the worst of the slump may have passed, and recovery may just be a year or two away:
February 3, 2004
OSHA Simplifies Compliance
Adhering to the rules and regulations of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration does not have to be time-consuming. The agency is offering two new compliance assistance web tools:
Manufacturing Recovery Picks Up Steam
Factory activity continues to rise, says the latest Manufacturing Report on Business by the Institute for Supply Management. And manufacturing employment is rebounding:
Recommended Reading
For more details on streamlining your warehouse operations, check out Essentials of Inventory Management, which tackles daily-use inventory concepts and covers key areas, from layout to problem resolution.
Revving Up Returns
Optimizing reverse logistics can result in cost reductions and service level improvements of up to 50%. Find out how some companies do returns right:
Picking Technologies: How to Pick and Choose
It pays to be picky about picking technologies. Select the right combination of processes, such as static shelving and case flow rack, and your warehouse can run efficiently:
Organized Labor
Deploying a labor management system in your warehouse can increase labor efficiency and decrease payroll costs by at least 10-15%. And return-on-investment occurs quickly:
Fuel Cells Do Some Heavy Lifting
Automobiles are not the only vehicles getting a fuel cell makeover. Forklifts are being outfitted with this zero emission technology as well and enjoying several benefits:
RFID Claims Early Success
While many still think radio frequency identification technology is unproven, it's already delivering dramatic gains in one extremely demanding warehouse environment:
Top Trends in Warehousing & Storage
The warehouse industry is set to recover this year, with regional warehousing in particular on the upswing. Discover other major developments in the industry:
January 20, 2004
The Pros and Cons of NAFTA
The North American Free Trade Agreement turned 10 years old this month, but the years have not dimmed the controversy. Find out why some consider it a success and others think it's a huge flop:
Dispelling the Myths about U.S. Factory Workers
Misconceptions about American factory workers are common because they represent only about 11% of the U.S. workforce. Think they're low paid and all union members? Think again:
Recommended Reading
See packaging at its most creative in This End Up: Original Approaches to Packaging Design, which features 18 international projects that represent some of today's most inventive packaging.
Food Packaging Responds to Health Crises
The obesity epidemic and the country's first case of mad cow disease may have a significant impact on food packaging. Find out what changes are likely and which are already underway:
How to Prevent Counterfeiting & Tampering
Product counterfeiting is rampant, costing billions of dollars, while tampering is even more damaging, costing human lives. Here's what packagers can do to keep products secure:
Choosing a Contract Packager
Contract packagers can help you improve your packaging operations as well as reduce costs. But when should you seek a copacker and how do you go about selecting one?
5 Must-Have Machine Features
When it comes to selecting packaging machinery for your line, experts say there are particular machine attributes that you simply can't live without:
RFID is Finally on the Fast Track
Now that Wal-Mart and the Dept. of Defense are requiring suppliers to start using RFID (radio frequency identification) by 2005, the technology seems on the brink of widespread adoption. But there are roadblocks:
Packaging Industry Set for Growth
The forecast is bright for the packaging industry. Non-durable manufacturing is set to improve, packaging innovation is flourishing and demand is expected to grow:
January 6, 2004
Machines Keep Track of How We Behave
A new type of computer software can monitor—and understand—how people, animals and machines act. Find out how behaviometric software can boost security and productivity:
Smart Fasteners Could Rewrite Rules of Assembly
A new intelligent fastening system has such a wide range of capabilities that it could revolutionize fastening, changing the way products are designed, assembled and serviced:
7 Technologies You'll Be Hearing About This Year
From RFID to micro fuel cells, several technologies are gaining increased visibility as they broaden their reach. Explore seven that will be newsmakers in the coming months:
Top New Year's Resolution: Keep Employees
With the economy on the upswing and a labor shortage looming, companies must work harder at retaining talent. Here are 12 ways to make sure that employees derive fulfillment from their jobs:
Mastering Your Supply & Demand Chain
The great strategist Sun Tzu wrote The Art of War over 2,500 years ago, but it's still relevant today. Apply his teachings to your business to win the supply chain battle:
Delving Deeper into the ISM Economic Forecast
At ISM's Economic Summit, we caught up with industry chairs Norbert Ore and Ralph Kauffman, who further fleshed out the implications of some of the projections:
Staying Ahead of the Competition in 2004
Discover how business leaders such as Steve Jobs do what they do best. Find out their secrets for success in such areas as maintaining a competitive edge and penetrating new markets:
Get Set for a Happier New Year
So say the nation's purchasing and supply executives in ISM's semiannual economic forecast. Among their predictions: revenue growth and increased capital spending. Here's what else to expect:
