Radwell International’s Blog

Supply chains are an intricate structure. There are many critical factors that go into a successful supply chain. Due to this, risks run high. In the event that one area runs into an issue, there are ramifications for the entire supply chain. The possibility of challenges is more likely than one might think. Problems can stem out of anything from machine down situations, to cyber attacks, to unforeseen weather patterns. Strategizing, and having proactive solutions will help in the case of a disruption.

Corporate social responsibility, sometimes referred to as CSR or Corporate Citizenship, is a business model that helps a company be socially accountable to itself, its stakeholders, and the public. Corporations self-regulate this business model and by practicing corporate social responsibility, companies can have a positive impact on their community, their employees and their stakeholders. Ben Nordman from Obsidian Manufacturing in Illinois led a discussion for USA Manufacturing Hour Chat on Twitter about Corporate Social responsibility and how it can have an impact.

Social Media can be a great tool for not only connecting with existing customers, but for finding leads as well. LinkedIn, as a social media platform, is focused on business. When utilized effectively, LinkedIn is an excellent tool to spur leads and, in turn, revenue growth for any type of business including manufacturing.

Facilities that support process operations produce some of the most expensive and complex buildings in the world. And they run the gamut: “Process operations” can range from baking desserts such as cakes to processing raw meat for grocery operations, to manufacturing parts and components for U.S. Navy submarines.

Manufacturers often experience pain points as they navigate operations. There are many concerns and challenges that are experienced by people working in manufacturing. What can be done to alleviate these struggles? MAGNET recently interviewed 33 Northeast Ohio manufacturers about their pain points and unmet needs. Gina Tabasso of MAGNET in Ohio led a discussion for USA Manufacturing Hour Chat on Twitter and shared the top 6 points from those interviews with chat participants.

The Colonial Pipeline, Iranian Centrifuges, large financial companies and large companies in general, big cities – these are the notable targets of cyber attackers. Seen within this context, it is easy to assume your company is an unlikely target for a cyberattack and therefore, does not need to be stringent about protecting your manufacturing systems. Let us explode this myth.

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. 

In today’s fast-paced and supply chain-challenged world, manufacturers are trying to create efficiencies in their processes wherever possible. One way of creating more efficiency is by digitally transforming supply chains. During USA Manufacturing Hour Twitter Chat, hosts Jon Freeman, Strategic Partnerships Manager and Justin Dickson, Chief Revenue Officer at FreightPOP in California, led a discussion about this timely and important topic for manufacturers worldwide.

Automation is constantly progressing in many industries and especially in the manufacturing industry. Adopting automation has changed the way the world works by making difficult or repetitive tasks easier and more efficient. Many agree that it has changed the world for the better. However, automation sometimes gets a bad reputation. There is a prevailing school of thought that believes automation will eventually take away employment within the manufacturing industry. It’s a layered concept to consider and it isn't a simple issue. In fact there are actually many aspects to the concept of automation taking away jobs. Let's explore some aspects of automation in manufacturing.

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.