Manufacturing & California are on Fire!
According to the Industry Week and the National Association of Manufacturers, manufacturing is on fire! Manufacturers optimism registered 95.1% - the highest level EVER recorded!
Robots Taking on Pharmaceuticals & Food?
According to the Wall Street Journal, robots are taking on pharmaceuticals and food preparation.
There is More to Chicago than Good Pizza. Logistics Anyone?
Chicago logistics is all about connectivity. Connecting the east with the west, Chicago is a natural hub. 5 international airports, 7 Class I railroads carrying 50% of the nation's freight (think of the enormity of that figure!), 3rd largest intermodal port in the world, 3rd largest interstate highway system in America, and more.
Imports & Exports: Which Companies Dominate? Related Impacts?
How significant is freight to your bottom line? For example, when I was a VP of Operations for an absorbent healthcare products manufacturer (adult diapers, hospital underpads), freight was a BIG concern.
E-Commerce Drives Industrial Space to New Heights
Where would you prefer to locate your operation? Most likely as close to customers and your supply base as possible. In this case, it means rates are going through the roof - if you can even get them.
APICS-IE Symposium & Key Take-Aways on GROWTH
Keep innovation and future disruptors top of mind.
3D Printed Houses – Fast, Inexpensive and Fights Homelessness
Although we should consider potential impacts of 3D printing in our industry, the more important consideration is to let our minds think about the future. What technological innovations are likely to impact your industry?
Amazon Prime Members Hit 100 Million
Have you put thought into what has become commonplace - subscription services like Prime?
The Highest Number of Factory Jobs Since 2008!
Are your suppliers ready to grow with you? Will they run into quality issues? Cash issues? Supply issues? Or will they enable you to be ahead of the curve?
Transportation Capacity Tight & Rates on the Rise
Do you have backup transportation built into your model? Are you considering additional transportation partners such as third-party logistics providers (3PL) and brokers? Perhaps they shouldn't be considered a last resort.