Replacing an ERP system is a major business decision. An ERP replacement requires an investment of time, resources, training, and money, so most companies do not make the decision without careful consideration. If you have not read our blog on the costs associated with replacing your ERP System, it’s a good one to completely understand the total investment. But how do you know when your current ERP software is holding your business back? As companies grow, their technology needs change. An ERP system that worked well several years ago may no longer provide the functionality, scalability, reporting, or automation your business requires today.Read More
#USAMfgHour Pivoting Your Business When Surprises Happen
Economic changes, pandemics, political leadership, weather, world events, and more. Let’s face it: the world doesn’t stop changing, so how do you make sure your manufacturing or distribution business can pivot? We discussed this on March 17th 2022, in our #USAMfgHour X Chat led by Kirsten Austin @DCSCInc.
Q1 #USAMfgHour ~ Let’s start on a personal level. Have you ever been taken completely by surprise and had to make changes fast?
In 2017, my entire world changed. My Mom died suddenly, I divorced after a 23 year marriage & even more events took place. What I learned that year was the importance of a good attitude. Check this blog.
Q2 #USAMfgHour ~ Can you think of any businesses that had to completely change their products or services in order to survive?
A2 #USAMfgHour ~ Check out this excellent article from @HarvardBiz. Did you know @Twitter (Now @X) started as a podcast directory? @Yelp was once an automated email service & @YouTube started as dating service?
Q3 #USAMfgHour ~ What can help companies change and pivot more quickly?
A3 #USAMfgHour ~ Real-Time and Accurate Business Information is the most important tool to help you acknowledge issues quickly. Understanding your cash, inventory, assets and talent on hand helps you make informed decisions quickly.
Q4 ~ #USAMfgHour ~ Fun Question, without Googling it, can you think of one product you owned or used that is obsolete today?
A4 I can think of so many, but one of my favs was the “Walkman”. Additional chat participant answers included Block Buster Video. Blockbuster Video was a renowned American home video and video game rental company that reached it’s highest amount of stores 2004 (more than 9,000) worldwide, before bankruptcy and the popularity of streaming led to the closure of nearly all its locations. All but one, in Bend Oregon!
It’s more than possible to pivot and survive by making sure your company can and will adapt if necessary to keep up with all the changes. The proof is in the pudding. There are many USA Manufacturers who have survived for decades by understanding their resources, taking note of changing markets and through good old fashioned resilience. These companies include Procter & Gamble (P&G), Deere & Company (John Deere), Colgate-Palmolive, DuPont, Lodge Cast-Iron, and Dixon Ticonderoga Company just to name a few.
We’re taking this conversation to LinkedIn Live—and we’re looking for hosts! If you’re interested in leading a future #USAMfgHour session, join USAMfgHour Group on LinkedIn, connect with Kirsten Austin on LinkedIn, and send her a DM, or give us a call at 314-664-2200 to learn more.
#USAMfgHour Navigating Generational Work Styles
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.
#USAMfgHour The Next Generation of Manufacturers at Work
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
#USAMfgHour Returning to Work: Ways to Improve Workplace Reconnection and Safety
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
#USAMfgHour How Manufacturers can Reduce Turnover by 50%
Employee turnover is a constant fluctuation of gain and loss in any industry. Yet, it remains one of the biggest issues, costing U.S. companies about $600 billion annually. Hiring the right people with the right skills in a timely manner is difficult these days, so the need for retention is critical. This week’s #USAMfgHour on Twitter host David Roppo talks about How Manufacturers can Reduce Turnover by 50%.Read More
#USAMfgHour Improving Disability and Inclusion Efforts in Manufacturing
Does your workplace provide equal opportunities? People with disabilities can hold jobs of all types. In fact, there are articles about blind and visually impaired workers who weld and veterans who use wheelchairs in assembly work. Bringing that awareness and growing more opportunities is important to the economy, and Christine Torres of IndeeLift, manufacturer of the “People Picker Upper,” talks about the subject for #USAMfgHour on Twitter.
#USAMfgHour Facing Hard Truths by Embracing Soft Skills
Communication, teamwork, creativity – it’s these types of soft skills that companies look for in a candidate, but they are also a reflection of the company’s true values. Soft skills can be just as important as hard skills for success, change, and a progressive future. Marketing Director John Buglino of Optessa, an advanced planning and scheduling software company, hosts a discussion on soft skills for #USAMfgHour on Twitter.Read More
#USAMfgHour Ergonomics in the Workplace
Do your workers follow good posture and lifting rules? What type of shoes are they wearing for several hours a day, up and down stairs, and on multiple types of surfaces? Ergonomics in the workplace are one of those important topics everyone is responsible for to prevent injuries. Sherri Darby of WiscoLift, an overhead crane services and material handling products manufacturer and distributor in Wisconsin, leads the discussion this week for the #USAMfgHour chat on Twitter.Read More
#USAMfgHour Technical Learning Systems in Manufacturing
“Learning and leadership are indispensable to each other,” – this quote by U.S. president John F. Kennedy still rings true today. Three months into a new year and maybe there are some personal or business goals company leaders have set for learning, accomplishing, and changing. How are those plans going? Perhaps it’s a good time to start them. Social media specialist and education enthusiast Jerod Clapp of Amatrol lead the discussion on technical learning systems in manufacturing for this week’s #USAMfgHour. Below is a recap of some of that chat.Read More
