IoT and Technology in the Future of Manufacturing

According to Forbes.com, The Internet of Things (IoT) is the connection of any device with an on or off switch to the internet and/or to each other, for example, cellphones, refrigerators, home security tools, etc. This also applies to components of machines, such as a jet engine of an airplane or the drill of an oil rig. The Internet of Things generally communicates by cameras or sensors embedded in its design. As technology continues to advance, the vision driving IoT portrays how smart, connected tech will continue to help humans in skilled and manual tasks. This will be done by giving them access to context-sensitive insights that answer specific questions at the right point in time.

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Community Impact stimulates the Manufacturing Multiplier Effect

Ever wonder whether or not having manufacturing within your local community is valuable?  Significant research has been performed regarding the economic benefit of manufacturing, and it is the driver of a healthy, vibrant community.  The impact of manufacturing is so significant on both local and regional economies that it has been given a name:  The Manufacturing Multiplier Effect.

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Outstanding Customer Service Makes or Breaks Small Manufacturers

Business-to-consumer (B2C) companies like Uber, Amazon, and Netflix have changed the way that consumers think about customer service. Other companies have taken the hint and prioritized customer service and convenience, from tech companies like Apple and Dell, luxury brands like Ritz-Carlton and Mercedes-Benz, customer relationship savants like American Express and GoPro, and everyone in between. This shift in B2C relationships has also impacted business-to-business (B2B) relationships, causing customers to expect more from their manufacturing suppliers.

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Five Advantages of Working with Small Manufacturers

Getting the right prototypes, components, design, and fabrication are essential to keeping your business running smoothly. When quality work, attention to detail, quick turnaround, and distinctive design are top priorities, there’s no better partner than a local manufacturer. Smaller manufacturers, such as R&M, give clients unique advantages that larger, regional, national or international corporations simply can’t.

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How Small Manufacturers Can Lead the Future

New technology, changes in the labor market, and new trends often reach big businesses first, however, big businesses also encounter big challenges when making changes. Implementation often requires full participation from every employee, sector, and region. With foresight and planning, small manufacturers can act with agility and implement new technology and use trends to their advantage on a smaller scale, faster. R&M tracks new technologies, labor market shifts, and other trends carefully to make the workplace more safer, faster, more cost-effective and more efficient.

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ApprenticeshipUSA Expands From $90 to $200 Million

The skills gap affecting manufacturing businesses may see a solution in a new initiative. Working with advisor Ivanka Trump, private enterprises, industry associations, democrats and republicans, President Trump and Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta outlined a plan to reorganize existing labor programs and make apprenticeships more accessible. The reorganization of the ApprenticeshipUSA program aims to make good on Trump’s campaign promise to create more jobs, such as the 2 million unfilled manufacturing jobs looming in the next decade, part of 6 million unfilled jobs across multiple industries.

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Environmental Policies Benefit Manufacturers

Sustainable and environmentally-conscious operations secure longevity and safety for future generations, but these considerations also impact businesses’ finances, reputations, hiring practices, and many other aspects. R&M is conscious of the state of the local neighborhood as well as impacts that manufacturers have on the world and uses environmentally-friendly policies and practices to minimize negative environmental impacts. Besides supporting the neighborhood and biosphere, initiating or strengthening positive environmental policies can also benefit businesses commercially and financially.

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R&M Helps Freeland Robotics Team Construct a Winner

The Freeland Robotics Team, also called the Freeland Fabricators, has earned a spot in the FIRST Robotics Competition, a global championship in St. Louis, Missouri, after successfully competing in the district and then the state level. To help the aspiring young engineers build the best bot possible, R&M offered their expertise and instruction. R&M helped the students to safely weld, program and build their robots. While the students did the work, R&M was able to help with any snags along the way.

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