Recession-Proofing your business with automation: A Strategic Approach

In uncertain economic times, businesses face numerous challenges that can hinder their efficiency, safety, and sustainability. One key strategy companies can deploy to withstand recessionary periods is to consider the holistic impact automation can have on their business. This article explores how companies ensure safe, consistent operations, and position themselves for sustainable growth once the economic storm passes. What Does It...

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Op-ed: Limiting plastic production leads us backwards

Matt Seaholm is the President and CEO of the Plastics Industry Association. Opinions are the author’s own.  As political campaigns double down on the importance of American manufacturing, October brings real attention to this irreplaceable segment of the economy through the celebration of Manufacturing Month. Manufacturing Month provides an opportunity to acknowledge a miracle material that is integral to nearly every manufacturing...

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Advancing with automation and AI

In today’s material handling environment, warehouses are driven by the need for speed and accuracy. At the same time, finding the right labor force remains challenging for some operations. Some are looking for automation and artificial intelligence (AI) advancements to fill those gaps and meet expectations. Increased demand for automation Brett Webster, director of product management at Dematic, noted that AI has already been...

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Getting started with AI-Powered Chatbots

You’ve heard the buzz around Generative AI-powered chatbots like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini. But are they worth the hype? Absolutely. The key to success is learning how to use these tools effectively. With the correct instruction, chatbots can produce detailed, relevant, and tailored results to your specific requirements. No technology expertise is required to become a pro – just a curiosity for exploration. It would be...

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128 promising Industrial Projects on the horizon for September 2024

Industrial SalesLeads released its latest MiR Report for September 2024 results for the Industrial Manufacturing industry’s planned capital project spending. This comprehensive report tracks North American industrial capital project activities, encompassing facility expansions, new plant constructions, and significant equipment modernization projects. The data within the report serves as a valuable resource for businesses...

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Tune up time

It is time once again to figure out how you did compared to last year, against budget, against cash flow budgets, and against your peers. We review the overall results and then dive into each department. Finally, you review personnel in each department in terms of “sales per employee,” gross profit per employee, and then sales and gross profits per employee for each department. Good for you if you find yourself in the top 25 % of the...

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Backorder management is more than just keeping parts flowing

I recently attended MHEDA’s Parts and Service Management Conference, and as is often the case with these industry events, I came away inspired with content for this month’s edition. One of the presenters was an industry colleague who gave an insightful presentation on backorder management and building processes for unforeseen delays. As she noted, a phrase that is all too common for parts and service managers is, “We’re just waiting...

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