Management

17 mistakes U.S. manufacturers make that kill employee engagement

That employee engagement decisively contributes to manufacturing success has long been known. However, many studies show there is a deep and broad lack of employee engagement in our nation’s manufacturing industry. This lack is known as the Engagement Gap. Though manufacturing leaders agree that the gap urgently needs to be closed, the fact remains that for at least two decades, it has
remained relatively constant and by some measurements has even widened.

Is 100 percent customer satisfaction worthwhile for a manufacturer?

When Aly Pinder Jr. came across an article that explored how a luxury auto manufacturer looked to achieve 100 percent customer satisfaction, he thought that it seemed like a goal on a billboard or a goal found on a motivational poster in a contact center. But this manufacturer truly believed that it can and should have this as its target. Pinder writes that he doesn’t think 100 percent customer satisfaction should be the goal for a manufacturer looking to scale and grow its business.

Despite its advantages, new technology isn't always embraced

06/12/2018

Author:

Christopher Tate

To ensure success of productivity-enhancing technology, shops and other manufacturers must understand and take into account the four main areas of the acquisition process: problem definition, conceptualization, implementation and realization.

Read Article

Does your state tax manufacturing machinery?

State sales tax bases are both too narrow and too broad.

Working less can boost productivity

06/01/2018

Author:

Keith Jennings

With fewer employees handling more duties, workplace stress can take a toll on productivity. Keith Jennings finds a simple solution.

Read Article

When not to listen

04/30/2018

Author:

Keith Jennings

Repeat work is great, but shops have to guard against the comfortable complacency that such work can generate at the expense of diversifying its customer base. Said diversification is essential to a shop's growth.

Read Article

Cash is king—why you should keep yours

There are many advantages to financing your equipment purchases instead of paying cash. Stearns Bank vice president of business development, Michelle Fuchs, has helped many businesses reap the benefits of commercial equipment financing. They’ve learned that financing, rather than cash, is the best approach for the long-term health of their business.

USCTI: Cutting tool economic health looking up

The United States Cutting Tool Institute (USCTI) reported total billings of nearly $168 million among the 43 cutting tool companies included in USCTI's Current Business Report (CBR) for February 2018. The total represents an increase of almost 7 percent over total billings in February 2017, which topped $156 million, and a 6 percent jump compared to total billings of nearly $157 million in February 2016.

In January, USCTI reported total billings of more than $172 million.

Show vendors some love

03/29/2018

Author:

Keith Jennings

Finding ways to meet, interface with and show appreciation for customers and vendors can help any business. With Spring, and the hope of nicer weather upon us, CTE Manager's Desk columnist Keith Jennings is eager to leverage the season for promotional and “we appreciate you” events, such as luncheons and open houses.

Read Article

Starting a CNC business

A life-long entrepreneur involved in starting and growing seven different businesses and a successful blog, Bob Warfield of the CNCCookbook devotes the 13th episode of the CNC Chef video series to a question his CNC machining audience often asks: How do you start a new business?