China’s dominance in critical minerals processing highlights the urgency of building alternative supply chain ecosystems. Manufacturers must secure reliable sources of critical materials, strengthen regional supplier networks, and develop processing capacity before export restrictions or supply disruptions threaten production and growth.
Manufacturers need to expand capacity, but building more of the same is not enough. Anduril's software-defined manufacturing approach demonstrates how integrating AI, automation, and technology from the start can accelerate production, strengthen the manufacturing ecosystem, and build scalable capacity to meet growing demand.
Critical minerals have become a strategic priority as geopolitical tensions, trade restrictions, and supply chain vulnerabilities increase. Manufacturers should look beyond tier one suppliers, understand critical materials in their products, diversify sourcing, and prepare for disruptions before they occur.
Lisa Anderson has been quoted by Edhat on the challenges facing U.S. defense supply chains as the country works to reduce dependence on China for critical minerals.
Critical minerals are becoming an even greater priority as the U.S. strengthens defense supply chains. New requirements emphasize multi-tier supplier visibility, supply continuity, capacity, and alternate sourcing to reduce risk and strengthen resilience.
In this Supply Chain Byte, Lisa Anderson discusses how microgravity is enabling unique manufacturing processes and why platforms such as Starship are designed with scale and industrial space applications in mind. For manufacturers, the message is clear: start thinking creatively about what may be possible as technology advances.
Advanced military manufacturing is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of national security and economic resilience. Manufacturing capability has become a strategic advantage — and advanced technologies such as AI, automation, robotics, 3D printing, and hyperscale digital manufacturing are reshaping the future of the defense industrial base.
LMA Consulting Group partnered with two aerospace manufacturers to improve inventory performance, strengthen business processes, and increase enterprise value. Through inventory optimization, operational improvements, ERP assessments, and post-acquisition support, the companies improved cash flow, enhanced operational performance, strengthened compliance, and positioned themselves for long-term success.
Over a decade, one aerospace operations executive relied on LMA Consulting Group at three different companies to solve operational challenges. Most recently, LMA helped an aerospace manufacturer improve on-time delivery by 20% and reduce past-due backlog by 50% through its first SIOP process and improved cross-functional alignment. The result was stronger performance and lasting organizational capabilities.
For many manufacturers, customer service challenges begin long before products reach the shipping dock. Demand variability, production bottlenecks, capacity constraints, scheduling conflicts, and inaccurate forecasts can create a ripple effect throughout the organization. As complexity increases, companies often find themselves reacting to problems rather than proactively planning for [...]
