Warehouse Automation and Shipping Solution Software
For those seeking expert manufacturing tips for profitability, you’re in the right place. After 30 years of helping manufacturers and distributors improve their operations through ERP and Additional Shipping Technologies, I’ve got five straightforward ideas that won’t cost much but will provide immediate returns.
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In my thirty years of experience working with manufacturing and distribution companies on ERP, WMS, and Shipping Software implementations, I have learned that one thing is common: the tribal knowledge of a few team members who have worked for the company for a long time or are part of an elite team.
Tribal knowledge refers to any unwritten expertise within a company that is not widely known. This could be actual data, such as passwords, or more intellectual knowledge, such as operational processes. Because it is unwritten, tribal knowledge is typically shared by word of mouth (if at all). Most companies are blessed with hard-working individuals who understand the inner workings of the operations. However, this can be risky. Let’s Delve into this.
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Strengthening Manufacturer/Distributor RelationshipsLed by Missy Moorefield of Southern Fasteners & Supply, Inc.
By Julie Basello
Manufacturers and distributors both benefit from building strong relationships. In a world where margins are tight, companies have to use all resources at their disposal to understand each other, encourage collaboration and streamline the process of working together.
In a recent Twitter chat for USA Manufacturing Hour, participants discussed this very topic, led by host Missy Moorefield from Southern Fasteners & Supply in North Carolina.Read More
People need to be talking about diversity, and leaders need the appropriate skills to ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. A DEI plan must be developed as something that is both solid and sustainable while avoiding common mistakes.
In a recent USA Manufacturing Hour chat on Twitter, Bekah Mechtensimer of Empowering Pumps & Equipment in Alabama led a discussion about leadership and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the manufacturing sector.Read More
Originally written by Julie Basello
It’s a tough time for hiring and retaining employees. So many factors contribute to this but at the end of the day, positions need to be filled and it has been a struggle for a lot of employers to keep up with turnover and an ever present need to find the right candidates. In a recent Twitter chat for USA Manufacturing Hour, participants discussed this very topic, led by host, Tami Matthews and Ruth Johnson from Lane Supply in Colorado.Read More
Originally written by Julie Basello
According to authors Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas, humor is serious business. It builds bonds, defuses tension, boosts innovation, and bolsters resilience through hard times.
In a recent chat for USA Manufacturing Hour on Twitter, Val Weber from Monofrax in New York led a discussion about humor’s place in business. She got her inspiration directly from Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas and their book Humor, Seriously: Why Humor is a Secret Weapon in Business and Life.Read More
Brand awareness on social media is a task that generally falls squarely into the hands of the Marketing Department in most companies. Often overlooked are employees, who can be great assets for building awareness about a brand on social media. But what are the best ways for a company to optimize employee profiles and encourage them to be company advocates while navigating some of the many pitfalls that could occur in the process?
In a recent USA Manufacturing Chat on Twitter, Host Jennifer Wegman of The Career Marketing Company in Pennsylvania led a discussion about the best ways to optimize employee’s personal social media profiles to build company brand advocacy and how to plan for potential issues that could occur.Read More
When it comes to a workplace environment, nothing can be more challenging than navigating differences in generational work styles. With the silver tsunami prevalent in manufacturing, the need to encourage a younger generation of employees to pursue a career in manufacturing is critical. Yet, working together productively is key and generations don’t always speak the same language when it comes to co-existing in the workplace. Erin Courtenay from Earthling Interactive in Wisconsin led a discussion in USA Manufacturing Hour Chat on Twitter about this topic.
To pique the interest of a new generation of talent and to continue to attract customers, manufacturers must think differently about how to showcase their businesses. Things like joining manufacturing associations and getting ISO certified can help manufacturing operations put their best foot forward. Adopting automation and exploring ways to navigate the new supply chain normal will also go a long way to keeping manufacturing operations fresh and current. Anything manufacturers can do to encourage the next generation of manufacturers to get interested and involved should be explored. Hosts, Hannah Schmidt and Nicole Wolter of HM Manufacturing in Illinois led a discussion for USA Manufacturing Hour Chat on Twitter about the impact these topics have on manufacturing.Read More
After allowing employees to work from home due to COVID-19 global pandemic safety concerns, many employers are now asking employees to return to the office. Some companies are adopting a hybrid approach while others are asking everyone to work back in an office environment full time. For many, this is a massive adjustment. From integrating back into an office with co-workers to safety concerns, many employees are concerned about a return back to the office.
Felix Nater, the head of Nater Associates in North Carolina, led a discussion for USA Manufacturing Hour Chat on Twitter, discussing some of the ways to improve safety and workplace reconnection. Nater is the head of Nater Associates, an independent security management consulting firm that mentors leaders & trains workforces on how best to mitigate the threat of workplace violence, and the employer against the threat of civil liability through high-level advice; assistance. More information about the firm is available at www.naterassociates.com.Read More
