Blogs

Is just-in-time manufacturing entirely to blame for the shipping crisis and ongoing supply chain issues? Experts seem torn on the matter. Ailing after World War II, Japan set its sights on rebuilding its industry sector with some help from its friends in the West. For the next 30 years, they experimented with different ways to utilize cash flow, real estate, labor, and resources to maximize profits. Then, Toyota pioneered the first iteration of just-in-time (JIT) manufacturing: the practice of making products to order, instead of managing an unwieldy inventory. Also sometimes referred to as a...

The choice to return jobs to the U.S. makes sense for certain industries, but not for others. In some cases, businesses are reshoring only certain portions of their manufacturing. The pros and cons that must be taken into consideration are immense. One of the most enticing options for owners and executives that want to curb the negative effects of inflation and an injured supply chain is reshoring. This is because inflationary pressures and constant supply chain disruptions have presented business executives around the world with challenges that pose a risk to any notion of consistent growth...

As more companies embrace advances in manufacturing automation, those who refuse to change may find themselves left behind. However, investment in these new technologies comes with its own hurdles. Read more about this trend and strategies to assess potential automation investments. Even as the US shifts into a post-pandemic norm, American manufacturers will likely continue to face labor shortages. Despite pushes for increased wages, flexible scheduling, and improved workplace conditions to alleviate the strain, analysts believe the labor issue will continue to persist into the foreseeable...