« 2007 | Main

July 23, 2008

China's Machine Tool Industry Coming of Age

China's machine tool industry seems to be coming of age globally, driven in large part by the country's rapidly rising machine tool investment, output and export.

Read more... | Comments (0) | TrackBack

July 22, 2008

Sweepstakes Science: Prizes for Breakthroughs

The prize-inspired breakthrough is a concept that goes back hundreds of years. Yet this notion of using prize money to spur innovation has become a particularly booming trend in recent years.

Read more... | Comments (3) | TrackBack

9 Oddities in Discovery and Invention

While necessity may be the mother of invention, its paternal roots can be traced to accidents and eccentricity. IMT contributor Ilya Leybovich looks at the unexpected sources of some of today's most common inventions, plus some unusual proposals for products yet to find a niche.

Read more... | Comments (3) | TrackBack

Ridiculous Government Purchases

Gambling, iPods, lingerie, Internet dating sites - if you've ever filled out an expense report, you know these just won't fly as "business transactions." Shouldn't the government be held to the same standards?

Read more... | Comments (2) | TrackBack

Transportation: Did You Know?

Ever wondered when the first auto race was? Wish you had your own submarine? Here IMT contributor Susannah Nevison offers some offbeat auto facts and a few just-for-fun vehicles.

Read more... | Comments (0) | TrackBack

The State of Machines Talking to Machines

Although M2M technology has seen steady growth in recent years, it hasn't been an easy journey. As more businesses look to design wireless into their processes, perhaps M2M technology will be reevaluated.

Read more... | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Whatever Happened to. . . ?

In what could be called "The Future of the Past," IMT contributor Brian Lane looks into the future that never was and asks, "Whatever happened to all the cool stuff promised to us?"

Read more... | Comments (4) | TrackBack

Minneapolis' New I-35 Bridge Nearly Complete

Though it won't be open by the first anniversary of the tragic collapse of the I-35W Mississippi River Bridge in Minneapolis, Minn., a new $234 million bridge is on track to open in its predecessor's place as early as September.

Read more... | Comments (0) | TrackBack

How Prepared is Your Supply Chain?

Recent studies uncover how some companies are struggling to configure their supply chains to meet and exceed global goals in the near and long term.

Read more... | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Recommended Reading

Wikinomics: How Mass Collaboration Changes Everything examines the possibilities of mass collaboration and evolutionary business practices. It's no longer up to the elite thinkers to tackle today's global challenges.

Read more... | Comments (0) | TrackBack

July 21, 2008

Weekly Industry Crib Sheet: Eurozone Trade, Global Air Freight and Orders for U.S. Jets...

... The WTO Rules Against China and MORE.

Read more... | Comments (0) | TrackBack

July 18, 2008

Light Friday: Indignation Within Organizations and the Next Big Bubble Burst...

...."Flat is the New Up," a "Ramen Moment" and MORE.

Read more... | Comments (0) | TrackBack

July 17, 2008

U.S. Industrial Output Rebounds in June

Production at U.S. factories, mines and utilities rose in June after two straight monthly declines, according to the Federal Reserve's latest data.

Read more... | Comments (0) | TrackBack

July 16, 2008

Manufacturing Tech Consumption Remains Healthy

Energy prices and commodities costs, not to mention an overall uninspiring economy, have many businesses cutting back on spending. Nonetheless, a new report suggests manufacturing industries are investing in capital metalworking equipment to increase capacity and improve productivity.

Read more... | Comments (0) | TrackBack

July 15, 2008

Are TVs the Real Environmental Threat?

As the manufacture of flat-screen televisions to meet consumer demand continues to rise, so too does the threat to our environment, according to a new study.

Read more... | Comments (3) | TrackBack

July 14, 2008

Weekly Industry Crib Sheet: French Manufacturing Falls and Aluminum Hits Record High...

... GE's Spinoff Move and Quarterly Profit, China's Trade Surplus, India's Industrial Output and MORE.

Read more... | Comments (0) | TrackBack

July 11, 2008

Light Friday: Petroleum, Packaging and Spirits...

...Why Spain may take France's wine-producing crown, how tequila can make diamonds, and inkjet-printing the world's largest beer can.

Read more... | Comments (0) | TrackBack

July 10, 2008

Global Energy Demand to Grow by 50 Percent

Worldwide energy consumption will grow by 50 percent between 2005 and 2030, the U.S. Energy Information Administration projects. Herewith are highlights from the latest international energy outlook.

Read more... | Comments (5) | TrackBack

July 9, 2008

Why (and How) to Vacation

With each passing year, more working professionals are seeing something that used to be an entitlement - vacation time - as an increasingly unavailable luxury.

Read more... | Comments (6) | TrackBack

The State of the Summer Schedule

Current gas prices are prompting a number of workplaces to revisit flexible workweeks during the summer. Who doesn't love a long weekend?

Read more... | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Wildfire Season: Longer and Stronger in '08

Last week, nationwide wildfire preparedness was designated the highest possible level. The challenge is much bigger than simply funding fire engines.

Read more... | Comments (1) | TrackBack

Make or Buy Hot Talent?

Employers are realizing how hard it is to attract and retain the best employees. Now they're reassessing their options: promote from within or hire from outside.

Read more... | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Beach Reading for Business

IMT contributor Brian Lane provides a roundup of new books that promise to offer a balanced amount of invaluable ideas and geeky fluff.

Read more... | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Summer Science Camps

School is out, which means plenty of free time for kids. One way to get them away from the TV is a summer science camp, where they can have fun and maybe spark an interest in engineering.

Read more... | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Grim Outlook for Steel Buyers

A number of experts have recently declared that, because steel production has not kept up with demand, steel is in short supply and will continue to drive up prices for quite some time.

Read more... | Comments (2) | TrackBack

Eating Healthy on the Road

Long hours of sitting in the car, snacking on fast food and junk food can kill good nutrition faster than you can say "summer road trip." Here are a few ideas to help break the cycle.

Read more... | Comments (1) | TrackBack

July 8, 2008

Concentrated Declines in U.S. Jobs Continue

Jobs in the construction industry have been hit hard recently by a lengthy slump in the housing market. They're not the only ones.

Read more... | Comments (2) | TrackBack

July 7, 2008

Weekly Industry Crib Sheet: The Chinese Currency Saga Continues. . .

... No Joy in June Jobs, British and German Manufacturing Output, the World's First Global Union and MORE.

Read more... | Comments (0) | TrackBack

July 2, 2008

Flags and Franks: Independence Day by the Numbers

This Friday commemorates the day when, in 1776, the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence, setting the 13 colonies on the road to freedom as a sovereign nation. As always across the U.S., this most American of holidays will be marked by family and friends, fireworks and flags and, in a relatively new development, unfavorable food and fuel prices.

Read more... | Comments (6) | TrackBack

July 1, 2008

2008 Priorities in Global Trade Compliance

A new study shows how global trade compliance is now being transformed from a back-office function to the focus area of strategic corporate-wide initiatives. The report highlights key challenges, improvement strategies, capabilities and technologies used to support global trade compliance processes.

Read more... | Comments (1) | TrackBack

June 30, 2008

Weekly Industry Crib Sheet: The Fed Holds Steady. . .

... while Oil and Inflation Rise and Consumer Confidence and Small-Biz Mood Drop.

Read more... | Comments (0) | TrackBack

June 27, 2008

Light Friday: Annoying Coworkers, Not-So-Friendly Skies...

... NYC Waterfalls and MORE.

Read more... | Comments (0) | TrackBack

June 26, 2008

Laying Out China's Automotive Future on the Global Stage

The impressive progress of Chinese automakers in recent years is driving the country's domestic OEMs to set ambitious global goals. Yet significant shortcomings could hinder the industry's realization of those goals, according to new analysis.

Read more... | Comments (2) | TrackBack

June 25, 2008

Deconstructing a Manufacturing Misconception

Many folks still have no clue what manufacturing today really comprises, deeming the industry a "dark and dirty" place for a career. Here are just a few recent examples we can use to help shatter this myth.

Read more... | Comments (4) | TrackBack

June 24, 2008

8 Things We Want from Work

Pay and perks remain important to workers, of course. Yet when it comes to what employees want most from their employer today, certain intangible priorities are center stage.

Read more... | Comments (1) | TrackBack

How to Make Your Ideas Heard

We don't all have the skills of a salesperson, but it's precisely those qualities that are required to make your idea heard. Here are six factors to consider for getting someone to truly hear you.

Read more... | Comments (2) | TrackBack

From the Playground to the Boardroom: Workplace Bullies

Apprehensive about going to work? Filled with anxiety once you're there? You may simply be stressed out from your workload. Or these signs could be indicative of something far more insidious.

Read more... | Comments (8) | TrackBack

Kill the Cube (for the Company's Sake)

While cubicles may make economical sense, they may not be in the best interest of the company as a whole. At least, not in terms of collaboration and innovation.

Read more... | Comments (2) | TrackBack

We Need to Talk About Your Flair

Although "casual Friday" has become "casual Everyday" for many organizations, there are still some wardrobe guidelines. A few are especially relevant today.

Read more... | Comments (1) | TrackBack

Did Life's Earliest Material Come from the Stars?

The origin of humankind is a controversial subject that crosses a multitude of theological and scientific theories. Ready for another one?

Read more... | Comments (0) | TrackBack

What Your Car Color May Say About You

Ever wondered if your choice of car color reflects your personality? A recent study suggests a link between car color and personality.

Read more... | Comments (6) | TrackBack

Medical Laser Basics

The intersection of technical innovation and consumer needs has changed in medical laser technology. IMT contributor Ilya Leybovich asks how this will affect the future for manufacturers and users alike.

Read more... | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Recommended Reading

Why do some ideas thrive while others die? And how do we improve the chances of worthy ideas? Made to Stick tackles these vexing questions head-on.

Read more... | Comments (0) | TrackBack

June 23, 2008

Weekly Industry Crib Sheet: President Calls for Offshore Drilling and China Hikes Up Fuel Prices...

...State of Logistics, FedEx Fails to Deliver, Boeing Gets Second Chance at Air Force Contract and MORE.

Read more... | Comments (1) | TrackBack

June 20, 2008

Light Friday: A Wheelbarrow Brainteaser

But first: Gas Prices are Making Us Crazy for Vehicles with Two Wheels Instead of Four, plus a Puzzle Mansion in Manhattan!

Read more... | Comments (3) | TrackBack

June 19, 2008

N. American Manufacturers Reassess their Competitiveness Outlook

Tumultuous conditions brought on by today's flatter world have taken such a toll on domestic manufacturers that many of them are wondering if globalization will ultimately compromise their productivity, competitiveness and profitability, according to a new Deloitte report.

Read more... | Comments (0) | TrackBack

June 18, 2008

2008 Growth Opportunities in Government Procurement

Unlike the bleak conditions facing the business and consumer markets, government spending activity at all levels is expected to grow throughout 2008, according to a recent panel of more than 1,400 local, state and educational purchasing officials.

Read more... | Comments (1) | TrackBack

June 17, 2008

The Bottom-Line Costs of a "Perfect Storm"

Over the next few years, manufacturers of varied sizes could lose millions of dollars from their bottom lines due to looming retirements, according to a new report. Filling the talent void will be expensive, but failing to have an adequate replacement pool will be financially catastrophic.

Read more... | Comments (1) | TrackBack

June 16, 2008

Weekly Industry Crib Sheet: GM Sends Big Oil a "Dear John" Letter while Detroit 3 Slash Sales to Fleets. . .

...U.S. Consumer Sentiment Drops as Consumer Prices and Unemployment Jump, China's Trade Surplus and Inflation Drop while its Producer Prices and Educational Investment Rise — All this and More Came to Light Last Week.

Read more... | Comments (0) | TrackBack

June 13, 2008

Road Warrior Friday: A Business Travel Guide

While returning from Managing Automation's Progressive Manufacturing Summit early this morning, this IMT blogger was ruminating on how much business travel today has become such an ordeal. Hopefully, the tricks and trends compiled herewith will help our road-warrior readers.

Read more... | Comments (1) | TrackBack

June 12, 2008

Workforce Disconnects in Las Vegas

Managing Automation's fourth Progressive Manufacturing Summit continues. Disconnects both between workers' skills and companies' needs and between IT and automation teams are among some highlights and insights so far today. But first, one more thing about yesterday's agenda...

Read more... | Comments (0) | TrackBack

June 11, 2008

Manufacturing Contradictions in Las Vegas

Innovation was a key theme at last year's Progressive Manufacturing Summit. So far this week, at Managing Automation's fourth annual summit (in Las Vegas, where I'm writing from), it is the contradiction of innovation investment during an economic downturn that is playing arguably a larger role.

Read more... | Comments (1) | TrackBack

June 10, 2008

Building Up in a Down Economy

Construction was one of the nation's largest industries in 2006. These days, though, homebuilders are suffering. What's in store for the fields and professions associated with construction?

Read more... | Comments (4) | TrackBack

Construction Materials Costs Outlook

Like virtually everything today, construction input costs seem to be permanently cemented at an extraordinarily high level.

Read more... | Comments (0) | TrackBack

9 Bizarre Buildings

From very cool to totally weird, here is a collection of nine unusual houses and bizarre buildings from all around the world.

Read more... | Comments (14) | TrackBack

Bright Ideas for Facility Efficiency

Surging energy costs have facility engineers, managers and maintenance supervisors looking for ways to make plants more efficient. One logical place to start is lighting.

Read more... | Comments (1) | TrackBack

Meeting the Triple Bottom Line: Profit, People, Planet

It has become obvious that many aspects of future operations, including facilities, will have green components. Here is one company's thinking for transforming entirely to green and lean.

Read more... | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Mystery Solved? Stonehenge a Burial Site

The mystery of why Stonehenge was built has kept people guessing for millennia. New radiocarbon dating indicates one certainty: the monument stood as giant tombstones to the dead for centuries.

Read more... | Comments (6) | TrackBack

Green Paint's Promise

In 2007, a mountainside in China was mysteriously covered in green paint. But the kind of green paint we're talking about is a bit more eco-friendly than that.

Read more... | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Pay Raise on the Agenda?

For those on the fence about approaching bosses for a raise, fret not. It looks like there is a lot of positive momentum already in your favor.

Read more... | Comments (2) | TrackBack

Recommended Reading

The recently published Wonders of the World presents a selection of humanity's most remarkable works in the immense and marvelous field of design and construction.

Read more... | Comments (0) | TrackBack

June 9, 2008

Weekly Industry Crib Sheet: Primary Season Ends, Unemployment Stunner, Exports Keep Us Afloat...

... A Car Quality Surprise, Thousands More European Truckers Protest and King Kong Fights T. Rex.

Read more... | Comments (1) | TrackBack

June 6, 2008

Friday Car-Quality Question: Who's Moving?

Question marks in the headline can mean only one thing: it's time for you to weigh in! In lieu of Light Friday today, and based on some new findings, we're considering anew the better-car-quality question: Asian or American?

Read more... | Comments (6) | TrackBack

June 5, 2008

Government Agency Finds Fatal Flaws in Seaport Security

Despite the introduction of new inspection and security procedures, U.S. ports are still vulnerable to terrorist attacks, a recent government report says.

Read more... | Comments (0) | TrackBack

June 4, 2008

Fuel Prices Putting Globalization in Reverse?

The world seems to be becoming less flat. Shipping costs between Asia have risen so much that they have eclipsed tariffs as a barrier to global trade, according to a new report that calls the cost of moving goods "the largest barrier to global trade today."

Read more... | Comments (5) | TrackBack

June 3, 2008

Corporate Marriages Heat Up in Industrial Manufacturing

Deal making in the global industrial manufacturing industry looks set to remain at high levels in the near- and longer-term future, according to a new PricewaterhouseCoopers report. Both deal numbers and values of mergers and acquisitions are increasing, but does all this M&A activity pay?

Read more... | Comments (0) | TrackBack

June 2, 2008

Weekly Industry Crib Sheet: Another Tragic Crane Collapse in NYC...

...Revisiting the Farm Bill, China Quake Danger was Well-Known, 7 percent of GM's Global Workforce Take Buyouts and MORE.

Read more... | Comments (0) | TrackBack

May 30, 2008

Light Friday: Monkey Brains and Golden Fryer Grease...

...Phoenix Lander on Mars and Hope Lost with Lost Balloon.

Read more... | Comments (1) | TrackBack

May 29, 2008

Domestic Manufacturing Shows Optimistic Signs

Tired of reading about bad news surrounding the U.S. economy and the manufacturing sector? There are signs throughout the country that should restore optimism.

Read more... | Comments (1) | TrackBack

May 28, 2008

Global Oil Outlook: A Crude Reality

Consumers and businesses alike are suffering from higher energy costs. How did we get here? There is no short answer, as a number of factors together have led to today's prices.

Read more... | Comments (11) | TrackBack

How Are High Gas Prices Affecting You?

Record-high gas prices affect more than just the family vacation. As gas prices rise, so does stress on the job.

Read more... | Comments (13) | TrackBack